earmark
/ˈɪrˌmɑːrk/
VERB
1. Designate or set aside for a specific purpose
To reserve, allocate, or designate money, resources, property, or other assets for a particular purpose, use, or recipient.
1.1. Financial allocation and budgeting
Used when money, funds, or a portion of a budget is specifically reserved for a particular project, expense, activity, or organization.
Synonyms
- allocate
- allot
- appropriate
- assign
- budget
- reserve
- set aside
- designate
- apportion
- devote
- dedicate
Antonyms
- withdraw
- divert
- reallocate
- withhold
- distribute
- spend
Examples
- The government earmarked millions of dollars for improving public transportation.
- The company earmarked a portion of its annual budget for employee training.
- The donations were earmarked for building a new community center.
Related Words
- allocation
- appropriation
- budget
- funding
- provision
- expenditure
- investment
- reservation
- financial planning
- fiscal policy
1.2. Resources and assets reserved for particular uses
Used when specific resources, materials, property, or assets are designated or reserved for a particular person, activity, project, or future requirement.
Synonyms
- reserve
- set aside
- designate
- assign
- appropriate
- dedicate
- devote
- commit
- mark off
Antonyms
- release
- free
- unassign
- withdraw
- divert
Examples
- The organization earmarked several rooms for visiting researchers.
- The land was earmarked for future residential development.
- Additional equipment has been earmarked for the expansion project.
Related Words
- reservation
- designation
- commitment
- resource management
- distribution
- provision
- inventory
- ownership
- planning
VERB
2. Identify or designate by a distinctive mark
To identify, mark, label, or distinguish something by assigning it a particular sign, characteristic, or identifying feature.
2.1. Identification and labeling
Used when something is marked, labeled, or designated so that it can be recognized, identified, or distinguished from other things.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- unmark
- erase
- remove
- conceal
- disguise
Examples
- The farmer earmarked the cattle to indicate ownership.
- Each package was earmarked with a distinctive symbol for identification.
- The company earmarked defective products for further inspection.
Related Words
- identification
- marker
- labeling
- classification
- designation
- symbol
- insignia
- characteristic
- hallmark
- trademark
NOUN
3. Distinctive characteristic or identifying feature
A characteristic, quality, or feature that distinguishes a person, thing, or group from others.
3.1. Distinctive qualities and characteristics
Refers to a recognizable feature, trait, or identifying quality that makes someone or something distinctive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- commonality
- similarity
- uniformity
- sameness
- conformity
Examples
- Attention to detail is an earmark of excellent craftsmanship.
- Her distinctive writing style became an earmark of her literary work.
- Innovation has long been an earmark of the company's corporate culture.
Related Words
- individuality
- distinctiveness
- identity
- peculiarity
- idiosyncrasy
- quality
- property
- uniqueness
- fingerprint
- trademark
3.2. Characteristic signs of a particular group or condition
Describes a recognizable sign or feature associated with a particular person, organization, activity, or situation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- anomaly
- exception
- irregularity
Examples
- The unusual architectural details were an earmark of the historical period.
- Generosity was considered an earmark of his personality.
Related Words
- evidence
- symptom
- manifestation
- indicator
- criterion
- diagnostic feature
- recognition
- identity