mark 1 of 2

verb

Definition of marknext
1
as in to label
to attach an identifying slip to marked each application with a numbered sticker

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2
as in to characterize
to be an important feature of an annual event marked mostly by noise and confusion

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3
as in to record
to make a written note of mark down the names of those who are planning to attend the dinner

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mark

2 of 2

noun

ˈmärk How to pronounce mark (audio)
1
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of in the wake of the scandal, the disgraced governor became the favorite mark of late-night comedians

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in target
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule his gullibility and tendency to fall for bluffs made him an easy mark at the poker table

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3
as in reputation
overall quality as seen or judged by people in general a brand of crystal that bears the mark of excellence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared lately his playing hasn't been up to the mark expected of a concert pianist

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5
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish set marks for expected daily output

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in feature
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind a sensitive expression that is the mark of a poet

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7
as in scar
something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing a small mark where the car had scraped a wall

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8
as in effect
the power to bring about a result on another a person of some mark in the field of evolutionary biology

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mark distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mark are note, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," 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 can note be used instead of mark?

In some situations, the words note and mark are roughly equivalent. However, note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When would sign be a good substitute for mark?

The synonyms sign and mark are sometimes interchangeable, but sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

In what contexts can symptom take the place of mark?

The meanings of symptom and mark largely overlap; however, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

When is token a more appropriate choice than mark?

While in some cases nearly identical to mark, 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 mark
Verb
Students return to class on Monday, marking the start of the first full school year with the state takeover in place. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026 Aaron Judge jogged and stretched on the field at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery from a broken rib. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
The biggest question mark was Ramos, who’s only 26 and has three more years of team control remaining after this season. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026 Many previously viewed the investment as a sign that Abel was starting to leave his personal mark on Berkshire's portfolio. — CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mark
  1. label
  2. characterize
  3. record
  4. joke
  5. target
  6. reputation
  7. criterion
  8. goal
Verb
  • It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Stephen Colbert’s award-winning Late Show was canceled in a move that many have labeled political appeasement, and the flagship evening newscast baselessly recast the January 6 insurrection as a partisan squabble.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of label
Verb
  • Russia's Defense Ministry characterized the attack as a large-scale strike on military-industrial and logistics sites in Kyiv, according to reports in Russian media.
    — Greg Myre, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Several residents who spoke at the meetings characterized the opposition as a vocal minority of residents who have fixated on a few mostly parochial issues.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • Across Asia, thousands of first-time investors have recently piled in to stock markets, hoping to cash in on the massive tech boom that boosted indexes in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan to record highs earlier this year.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Paul Sewald came in to record the final out after Kevin Ginkel allowed two hits and two walks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of record
Noun
  • But Roth’s it’s-all-a-big-joke attitude here is a cop-out that’s beneath him, a way to avoid making a horror movie that truly engages us.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Write the honest sentence, take the quiet walk, and tell the truth without decorating it for comfort or turning it into a joke today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • An executive nobody had heard of became a target of online attacks for the offense of trying to turn around a fading chicken and biscuits restaurant.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The 2017 legislation also set a goal reaching 90% adequacy statewide by 2027 — a target many advocates even then viewed as improbable, if not impossible.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • But the case — and Michael’s reputation — would turn on its head weeks later.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The college has built its reputation with practical programs; it’s known for its business administration and computer information majors, the latter with a cybersecurity focus.
    — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Like Pompano High, Hallandale students will apply and meet certain academic criteria to get in and stay in.
    — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But questions linger with respect to eligibility criteria, the prior authorization process and cost of the program.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • For years, the FDA has fallen far short on meeting its modest annual goals for foreign food facility inspections, the US Government Accountability Office has found, as the agency struggled to hire and train inspectors.
    — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Mayor Andre Dickens said the development is another step toward his goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable units by 2030.
    — Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing mark

Browse Nearby Words

maritime
mark
mark down
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Cite this Entry

“Mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mark. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mark

Nglish: Translation of mark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mark

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