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
Training camp standout to preseason star Shortly after the draft concluded in April, Brown signed a rookie contract that guaranteed him just $105,000 at the time of signing. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026 Immediately after the legislation was signed, states began bracing for the substantial pullback of federal support, rural hospital closures, and implementation of burdensome paperwork requirements intended to drive down enrollment. — Diana Degette, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
Information about treatment, payment and routine healthcare logistics require no sign-off. — Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 The update, reported by the New York Post on Sunday, offers another sign that Griffin remains committed to a major New York presence even as his financial empire has increasingly centered its operations in Miami. — Luisa Yanez august 17, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sign
  1. autograph
  2. gesture
  3. symbol
  4. pen
Verb
  • Their one-of-one 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual NBA Logoman patch autographed (ungraded) card sold for $10 million, which is by far James’ most expensive.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Icons also helps Panini obtain jerseys for Mbappé to autograph in exchange for a small amount of memorabilia signed by the French superstar.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of autograph
Noun
  • However, there are some experts that see the cut in military drills as a positive gesture, suggesting that if the joint exercises are escalating tensions, then reducing them should lessen the chance of a conflict.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
  • On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • One is called Palindrome meaning a word, phrase, number or sequence of symbols that reads the same backward as forward.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Owls are a symbol of the transition between life and death and wisdom and knowledge.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of symbol
Verb
  • Cofnas penned an exposé last month that documented widespread plagiarism and shoddy scholarship in Arday’s work, a black professor hired by Cambridge University with much fanfare in 2023 to conduct research on race and social injustice.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The letter was penned after the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan had reportedly joined both initiatives, a move which set off alarm bells in Washington.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pen

Phrases Containing sign

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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 23 Aug. 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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