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
According to Vogue, on display in the sunroom (presumably where Dietrich is pictured here) was a piece called Zebra and Black Panther With Cacti, signed by the artist Charles Baskerville. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 The Philadelphia Eagles signed quarterback Joe Milton III off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad Friday, leaving Dallas without a third quarterback going into Week 6 of the season. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
Later that month, two teenage supporters attended a Fever-Storm game at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts and carrying a sign thanking Cunningham for speaking up for girls. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Wearing her Kansas City Chiefs puffer jacket, Stephanie Hannaway, 66, of Olathe, held a sign with a picture of a crown crossed out. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
  1. autograph
  2. gesture
  3. symbol
  4. pen
Verb
  • The patch is removed, authenticated and packaged with a trading card autographed by the player.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ball was also autographed by Happ, who left a third message between the red stitches.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of autograph
Noun
  • Nordrum’s expressive eyes setting the scene for what might be the most romantic gesture in literature (and movie) history.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The gestures of moving, being, and breathing coalesced for Kristin as this poem, which emerged from the state of presence that is meditation-in-action.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • Maribeth’s is on Grandma’s old table, where the same three coffee rings from the sixties still make the same old accidental partial Olympic symbol.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Allison worries everyday fans are being conditioned to see the diamond – or the court or the field – as slot machines and the human athletes as spinning symbols that sometimes align as dollar signs.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of symbol
Verb
  • Gibson referenced the appeals court decision penned by Neff and warned the stations about the law protecting grand jury information.
    — Justin Garcia, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Deeply personal film about adoption co-penned by producer Gaibja Siurbyte -Jankauskas’ partner.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sign

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sign

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