symptom

noun

Definition of symptomnext
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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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 But breathing difficulties are not the only symptom of the disease. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Visit your healthcare provider for regular checkups and inform them of any symptoms. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 24 May 2025 As the weeks progressed, the young man suffered from a litany of symptoms, including severe headaches, double vision, starbursts, ghosting, halos and other visual disturbances, his parents said. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025 There is also remdesivir, an intravenous medication that must be started within seven days of COVID symptoms appearing. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for symptom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom
  1. manifestation
  2. sign
  3. characteristic
Noun
  • In many ways, American Science & Surplus is a physical manifestation of the maker ethos.
    — Eric Bangeman – Jun 4, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025
  • All around these memories there were beautiful pieces by Grace Wales Bonner and Willy Chavarria, living manifestations of how much André did to help promote talented people of color.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • Discovery come just a day after a rare shareholder rebuke of its executive pay packages, a sign of growing unhappiness with the company’s financial performance.
    — Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • Fans lined up early and made signs to catch a glimpse of the future star.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Definition of sign
Noun
  • Besides searching for the likes of methane and ammonia, the characteristics of the planet's atmosphere discernible to JWST could point to which formation model – core accretion or disk instability – is the correct one, or even whether a brand new formation model is needed.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025
  • Key characteristics of individuals with big egos in the workplace include: Domineering behavior.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of characteristic

Browse Nearby Words

symposium
symptom
symptomatic
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Cite this Entry

“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symptom. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on symptom

Nglish: Translation of symptom for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symptom

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