symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm How to pronounce symptom (audio)
Synonyms of symptomnext
1
a
: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance
broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder
b
: an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen
2
a
: something that indicates the existence of something else
symptoms of an inner turmoil
b
: a slight indication : trace
symptomless
ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs How to pronounce symptom (audio)
adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for symptom

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.

sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of symptom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Finally, the animals in zoos are watched closely, so symptoms of illness become apparent quickly. —Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024 Crime, drugs, and homelessness are symptoms of immensely complex, possibly intractable social problems. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024 Constant difficulty or discomfort when passing stool can be a symptom of gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 Doctors use a combination of symptoms and blood work in deciding whom to treat. —Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for symptom 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symptom was in 1541

Phrases Containing symptom

Dictionary Entries Near symptom

symposium

symptom

symptomatic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symptom. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

symptom

noun
symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm How to pronounce symptom (audio)
1
: a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder
especially : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected
2
: something that shows that something else exists : indication
symptomless
-ləs How to pronounce symptom (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

symptom

noun
symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm How to pronounce symptom (audio)
: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance observed by the patient
headache is a symptom of many diseases
visual disturbances may be a symptom of retinal arteriosclerosis
broadly : something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder compare sign sense 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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