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noun

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as in memo
a usually brief written reminder I'll make a note to myself so I don't forget to pick up some milk on the way home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in letter
a message on paper from one person or group to another write a friendly note to the neighbors asking them to keep the noise down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word note distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of note are mark, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When could mark be used to replace note?

The words mark and note can be used in similar contexts, but 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 it sensible to use sign instead of note?

The words sign and note are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to note?

In some situations, the words symptom and note are roughly equivalent. However, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

In what contexts can token take the place of note?

The meanings of token and note largely overlap; 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 note
Verb
Daughter Caroline Poe noted perhaps the item her dad is most proud of was the media blitz to promote running back Kenneth Davis for the Heisman after his 1984 season. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025 LeBlanc noted that a national monument designation gives sacred landscapes greater protections. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
Over glasses of Ruinart champagne, glamorous content creators Jessica Wang, Hannah Bronfman, and Tina Leung swapped notes on their jewelry selections. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025 On a related internet note, Newsweek previously covered why a pregnant woman decided to ban her mother-in-law from the delivery room was backed by readers. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for note 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • The lack of talking heads commenting on her enhances the intimate feel.
    Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Since then, Billy Ray’s son Trace Cyrus took to Instagram to also comment on the performance, addressing years of strained family dynamics and expressing concern for his father’s well-being.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After winning the show in 2005, Underwood received what was standard for Idol champions: a recording contract with Hollywood Records, including $125,000 upfront for beginning her first album, another $125,000 upon completion, and a $300,000 advance for album production.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Richard Nixon recorded the lowest approval rating in history—24 percent—just before resigning in August 1974 amid the Watergate scandal.
    Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the fall of 2022, Kohn went to a dermatologist after noticing lines form on his head.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Image Nicole Hernandez has been noticing couples express interest in a special culinary addition to their wedding menu.
    Sadiba Hasan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Denver Nuggets tied to potential Zach LaVine trade Zach LaVine’s name is sure to be mentioned repeatedly between now and the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Not to mention, Miami continuing to suspend Butler would bring a lot of action and heat (pun always intended) from the players union.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Kante was sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay more than $3 million in restitution.
    Alexa Ashwell, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Like so many Angelenos, Cheyenne Shannon’s routine came to a halt in the hours after the devastating Palisades Fire broke out on the morning of Jan. 7, followed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena.
    Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • According to a memo filed by House Republicans, lawmakers have plans to undo former President Joe Biden's expansion of the TFP, which led to a 23 percent increase in SNAP benefits in 2021.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The Trump administration also issued a second order indefinitely halting the travel of Health and Human Services personnel, according to a second memo obtained by The Post.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The petition came after the brothers’ attorney submitted new evidence, including a letter purportedly written by Erik Menendez to his cousin, which alludes to alleged abuse uncovered by Robert Rand, a journalist who covered the case since its inception and author of The Menendez Murders.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Her letter also encouraged employees to report on colleagues who were not compliant.
    Teddy Rosenbluth, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Americans responded to the cries of hunger in Ethiopia.
    William Lambers, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s opening statement was repeatedly interrupted by several protesters who were swiftly removed from the hearing room after disturbing his confirmation proceedings with shouts and cries.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near note

Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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