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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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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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
Séan Harrington, Elemis’ cofounder and chief executive officer, told Fairchild Studio the partnership with Aston Martin Aramco marks a meaningful and strategic milestone for the brand. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 May 2025 The President marked his 100th day in office this week with a report from his Commerce Department that showed the economy shrunk in his first quarter. —Philip Elliott, Time, 2 May 2025
Noun
President Donald Trump, celebrating the 100-day mark of his second term with his Cabinet, admitted his tariffs could mean higher prices for Americans, but appeared to dismiss the impact on American families, including on children's toys. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 1 May 2025 Burch says that participants in the foundation’s program reach the million-dollar mark at 10 times the average for small business-owners. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 May 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
  • For decades, emotional intelligence and creative thinking have been labeled soft skills—add-ons to technical competence.
    — Rebekah Bastian, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Cicadas that emerge on the same schedule are called a brood, and each is labeled using Roman numerals.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of label
Verb
  • Forbes reports that a significant 69% of the youngest generation perceive middle management as a role characterized by high-stress levels and minimal rewards.
    — Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Dystonia is an umbrella term for movement disorders characterized by sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or movements.
    — Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
Definition of characterize
Verb
  • In an Instagram video recorded from a hospital bed, Sheridan narrated his battle with pancreatitis.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 May 2025
  • Paul explained his lapse in judgment occurred while recording his podcast shortly after the event weekend.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Definition of record
Noun
  • Dave Chappelle roasted Donald Trump for taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center—weeks after a past joke about the president went newly viral on social media.
    — Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Joy Behar landed in hot water when a joke about a decades-old scandal fell flat.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Definition of joke
Noun
  • More than 165 Shahed drones, Iranian drones, have been deployed again against completely civilian targets.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • Stellantis’s European operation is a weak-looking target for new Chinese competition.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Definition of target
Noun
  • From playing Lord Henry Blackwood in Sherlock Holmes to Sinestro in Green Lantern, the British actor has a reputation for playing some seriously sinister villains.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • These are not words typically associated with Tina Fey, whose humor has a reputation for being brutal.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Its investigators followed a process to determine whether complaints from the public met legal criteria for a civil rights claim, then carried out investigations methodically.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 May 2025
  • The club specifically cited the inability to afford the licence and other criteria required to remain in the Championship for the decision to drop down.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Among the goals for the renovation are dealing with a backlog of upgrades, meeting building codes and regulations, updating technology, and addressing energy efficiency.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • The Lyon goal should rightly rectify his legacy at United and hopefully earn him the respect from those outside of the club who have often so unfairly chided and ridiculed him.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 May 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 12 May. 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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