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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The ship then reportedly dropped life preservers where the man fell to mark his location and aid in his rescue. —Greta Bjornson, People.com, 25 July 2025 Our dining and nightlife correspondent Ana Gutierrez rounded up the creative tequila and mezcal cocktails Austin bars have on tap to mark the occasion. —Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Noun
Watch the clip of Fat Joe talking about his love for Diet Pepsi around the 55-minute mark below. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 July 2025 The Delray Beach intersection was damaged last month by a pickup truck driver burning tire marks into the paint, the third time it’s been vandalized since it was unveiled in 2021. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025 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
  • The researchers labeled the classes descriptively: Social/Behavioral: Children who exhibit strong autistic traits like repetitive behaviors and social difficulties yet follow typical developmental timelines.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Women of color are thought to use twice as many products, according to Consumer Reports. Despite mounting scientific research into the dangers posed by toxic chemicals, little has been done to ban them or at least label them on cosmetics.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
Definition of label
Verb
  • But despite still amassing wins and accolades, Ledecky – whose early career was characterized by outrageously fast times – hadn’t bagged a world record in seven years.
    — Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • And all these studies are based on self-reporting by individuals, and family members may characterize their roles differently.
    — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Proud Chicagoans might recall that Chance the Rapper took advantage of the CPL Maker Lab to record his first mixtape.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Definition of record
Noun
  • Sketching swastikas and 'edgy' jokes: Idaho shooter not typical loner Who is Wess Roley?
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • Chinese officials in the eastern province of Zhejiang have put stand-up comics on notice to avoid jokes that could fuel resentment between the sexes.
    — Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of joke
Noun
  • As things stand, Díaz could be the latest target Bayern fails to sign this summer.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Microsoft also has a consensus target of roughly $525, reflecting more than 4% upside potential.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Definition of target
Noun
  • Hong Kong perfected this approach over the last few decades, building its reputation through observation and thoughtful adaptation.
    — Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The crime rate in Tennessee has long dragged the state's reputation down in the CNBC poll.
    — Allison Kiehl, Nashville Tennessean, 15 July 2025
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Germany’s Blue Card system, aligned with the EU framework, facilitates residency for highly qualified workers meeting salary thresholds and educational criteria.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The following criteria must be met to issue an AMBER Alert, according to the Department of Public Safety: A child under 18 was abducted.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Although the artist had specific weight loss goals, her primary focus is her mental health.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal

Phrases Containing mark

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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 29 Jul. 2025.

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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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