Synonyms for sign
noun
A signal
indication, portent, clue, omen, prognostic, augury, token, presentiment, divination, presage, premonition, handwriting on the wall, foreshadowing, foreboding, foreknowledge, token, manifestation, foretoken, harbinger, herald, hint, symptom, assurance, precursor, prediction, mark, badge, auspice, symbol, caution, warning, beacon, flag, highball, hand signal, wave of the arm, flash, whistle, warning bell, signal bell, signal light, high sign*.
An emblem
insignia, badge, crest; see emblem.
A symbol
type, visible sign, token; see symbol.
verb
Authorize
endorse, confirm, acknowledge; see approve 1.
Indicate
express, signify, signal; see mean 1, signal.
Consecrate
dignify, hallow, ordain, sign with a cross; see bless 3.
Hire
engage, contract, employ; see hire 1.
See sign in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Synonyms
sign symbol emblem badge mark 1token symptom note
These nouns denote an outward indication of the existence or presence of something not immediately evident. Sign is the most general: “The exile of Gaveston was the sign of the barons' triumph” (John R. Green).
Symbol and emblem often refer to something associated with and standing for, representing, or identifying something else: “There was One whose suffering changed an instrument of torture, degradation and shame, into a symbol of glory, honor, and immortal life” (Harriet Beecher Stowe). “a bed of sweet-scented lillies, the emblem of France” (Amy Steedman).
Badge usually refers to something that is worn as an insignia of membership, is an emblem of achievement, or is a characteristic sign: a sheriff's badge. “Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge” (Shakespeare).
Mark can refer to a visible trace or impression (a laundry mark) or to an indication of a distinctive trait or characteristic: Intolerance is the mark of a bigot.
Token usually refers to evidence or proof of something intangible: sent flowers as a token of her affection.
Symptom suggests outward evidence of a process or condition, especially an adverse condition: bad weather that showed no symptoms of improving anytime soon.
Note applies to the sign of a particular quality or feature: “the eternal note of sadness” (Matthew Arnold).
See Also Synonyms at
gesture.
See sign in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
noun
Something visible or evident that gives grounds for believing in the existence or presence of something else:
badge, evidence, index, indication, indicator, manifestation, mark, note, signification, stamp, symptom, token, witness. See showSomething that takes the place of words in communicating a thought or feeling:
expression, gesture, indication, token. See showAn expressive, meaningful bodily movement:
gesticulation, gesture, indication, motion, signal. (Informal) high sign. See expressA usually public posting that conveys a message:
bill1, billboard, notice, placard, poster. See showA conventional mark used in a writing system:
character, symbol. See marksA phenomenon that serves as a sign or warning of some future good or evil:
augury, forerunner, foretoken, omen, portent, prefigurement, presage, prognostic, prognostication. Idiom: writing (or handwriting) on the wall. See foresight, warn
verb
To affix one's signature to:
autograph, endorse, inscribe, subscribe, undersign. Idioms: put one's John Hancock on, set one's hand to. See lawTo make bodily motions so as to convey an idea or complement speech:
gesticulate, gesture, motion, signal, signalize. Idiom: give the high sign. See express
phrasal verb sign on- (Informal)
To become a member of:
enlist, enroll, enter, join, muster in, sign up. See participate
phrasal verb sign overTo change the ownership of (property) by means of a legal document:
cede, deed, grant, make over. (Law) alien, alienate, assign, convey, transfer. See give, law
phrasal verb sign upTo become a member of:
enlist, enroll, enter, join, muster in. (Informal) sign on. See participate
Learn more about sign
Related Articles
