sign 1 of 2

verb

Definition of signnext
as in to autograph
to write one's name on (as a document) you'll have to sign the contract for it to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sign

2 of 2

noun

ˈsīn How to pronounce sign (audio)
1
as in gesture
a movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or feeling made a sign for the audience to be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader an "and" sign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sign distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sign are mark, note, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When is it sensible to use mark instead of sign?

The words mark and sign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

When could note be used to replace sign?

The synonyms note and sign are sometimes interchangeable, but note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to sign?

While the synonyms symptom and sign are close in meaning, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When can token be used instead of sign?

While in some cases nearly identical to sign, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sign
Verb
Chevron, Maraven sign heavy oil agreement | Oil & Gas Journal Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $4 billion but probably only half or $2 billion would have been upfront investment. — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Back then, bands would make seven-inch singles and sign to an independent label, put stickers up on the walls of the clubs and all that. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
That, after all, is the sign of team who needs to consistently churn the bottom of their roster in order to find gems. — Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 The Taylor cone was a sign that the electric field between a drop and metal had gotten strong enough to deform water. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
  1. autograph
  2. gesture
  3. symbol
  4. pen
Verb
  • And the fan got Kupp to autograph the poster board, which undoubtedly will be on display at the draft.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Parton autographed the artwork and performed several songs for airmen and their families at the event.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of autograph
Noun
  • Studying the effects of this fluctuating luminescence on interpreting gesture may tell us whether speech has significant benefits around an evening campfire.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After both drivers made hand gestures at each other, the unidentified victim drove to a house in Poolville, and Jones followed, the release stated.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • The teaser video even included a shot of a fan with a beer cup snake, a symbol of the lack of focus in the bleachers.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Nara Prison is one of Japan’s famed Five Great Prisons of the Meiji era, symbols of the dawn of a new modern age for the nation, and the only one to survive today.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of symbol
Verb
  • Before last season, Aitken penned an open letter to the Angels, pleading for a better partnership, a name change, and more access to inspect the stadium.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The comment seemed to be a reference to Anthropic and its CEO, Dario Amodei, who has penned a number of blogs and made other comments about the risks of AI.
    — Samantha Subin,CJ Haddad,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of pen

Phrases Containing sign

Browse Nearby Words

sightseers
sign
signal
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Cite this Entry

“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sign. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sign

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sign

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