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
Despite the hourslong delay due to approaching severe storms, audience members who returned to the venue do not appear to be deterred and are signing and dancing along to musical performances ahead of the president's address. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Last fall, Israel and Hamas signed a two-phase agreement after two years of bombing and siege in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Noun
As the emotional Moon enters your sign, initiative rises quickly and your instinct may be to act before the room catches up. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026 More than 84% of dogs in the study showed at least mild signs of fear and anxiety in everyday situations, excluding learned fears related to grooming activities like nail trimming and bathing. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
  1. autograph
  2. gesture
  3. symbol
  4. pen
Verb
  • Be very careful when buying items supposedly autographed by Messi.
    — Brooks Peck, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • News of the find — Abel’s singular, literally, Topps Superfractor rookie autographed card — didn’t take long to get back to Abel.
    — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 8 June 2026
Definition of autograph
Noun
  • In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI rescinded the excommunications of the surviving bishops as a gesture towards reconciliation.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
  • People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who unlawfully entered the country in 2011, has become a symbol of the resistance to Trump’s immigration crackdown.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Remember, the heroic symbols that Ronald Reagan deployed so effectively were swiped from liberalism’s salad days in the Thirties and Forties.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of symbol
Verb
  • Members of the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota penned a letter to the committee describing grave consequences.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is penning the screenplay.
    — Zack Sharf for Variety, Robb Report, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sign

Nglish: Translation of sign for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sign

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