Thesaurus results for SYMPTOM

Q: How is the word 'symptom' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark , note , sign , and token . While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. // rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Q: Where would 'mark' be a reasonable alternative to 'symptom'?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom , mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance. // a mark of a good upbringing

Q: When is 'note' a more appropriate choice than 'symptom'?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. // a note of irony in her writing

Q: In what contexts can 'sign' take the place of 'symptom'?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. // encouraging signs for the economy

Q: When could 'token' be used to replace 'symptom'?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. // this gift is a token of our esteem

symptom

noun

Definition of symptom

as in manifestation

something that indicates the presence of something else (such as a disease or problem) A sore throat, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are some of the symptoms of the common cold. Homelessness is only a symptom of larger problems in our society.

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How is the word symptom distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of symptom are mark, note, sign, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Where would mark be a reasonable alternative to symptom?

While in some cases nearly identical to symptom, 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 is note a more appropriate choice than symptom?

The words note and symptom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

In what contexts can sign take the place of symptom?

Although the words sign and symptom have much in common, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

When could token be used to replace symptom?

In some situations, the words token and symptom are roughly equivalent. However, 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 symptom Other medications are used to treat acute relapses or manage symptoms such as fatigue, walking difficulties, spasticity and bladder problems. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Jordan says a recent guideline change encourages doctors to diagnose and treat sooner based on symptoms. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026 That’s called an incidental finding, leading doctors to investigate well before symptoms develop and possibly early enough that the cancer remains small and hasn’t spread. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Recognizing the early symptoms of lung cancer, expanding lung cancer screening eligibility and testing for genetic biomarkers to select the best therapy are some of the steps that could help address the global epidemic of lung cancer in women. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symptom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom

Noun

Turns out, Shakespeare didn’t have to decide, because the story works equally well whether the reader believes the figure is ectoplasm in the castle courtyard or is a psychological manifestation of Hamlet’s nagging conscience.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
The demonstrations became a more widespread manifestation of anger and anxiety about education, employment, and general livelihood issues.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of manifestation

Noun

Those characteristics can be particularly relevant to fashion distribution, where seasonal peaks, promotional periods and e-commerce demand can put intense pressure on fulfillment operations.

— Josh McMorrow, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Balls put in play with those characteristics are hits 84% of the time, per the league's Statcast page.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of characteristic

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symposium

symptom

symptomatic

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“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symptom. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of symptom

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