Thesaurus results for SYMPTOM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

symptom

noun

Definition of symptom next

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

Examples 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 a few weeks after her May 2020 transplant, while recovering at home, De León fell ill with different symptoms. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 Man accused of starting California’s 4th largest wildfire faces June trial Forward progress of Kenneth fire near West Hills stopped at 1,000 acres The conditions that exacerbated the conflagration, soaring temperatures and dry fuels, are all symptoms of an overheating planet. —

Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2025 And as people grapple with the vomiting, diarrhea, and other potentially dangerous symptoms associated with the virus, many are left wondering why there’s no vaccine to protect against these common infections. —

Maggie O'Neill, Health, 10 Jan. 2025 Diarrhea and other symptoms improved for both groups. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for symptom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symptom

Noun

The Bravo Life Host: Natanya Bravo The Bravo Life breaks the act of manifestation step-by-step.

— Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
However, the art of manifestation is not just about wishful thinking or writing things down on a comprehensive list.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 8 Jan. 2025