Synonyms: sign, symbol, emblem, badge, mark1, token, 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.

..... Am-Heritage