notch 1 of 2

noun

ˈnäch How to pronounce notch (audio)
Definition of notchnext
1
as in chip
a V-shaped cut usually on an edge or a surface lifted up the fence rail and positioned it in the notch cut into the post

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2
as in canyon
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage try to get through the notch before the storm blows in

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3
as in inch
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking sales for the album increased, and it moved up another notch on the music charts

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notch

2 of 2

verb

as in to groove

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Example 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 notch
Noun
After two daring and provocative ready-to-wear shows, Jean Paul Gaultier creative director Duran Lantink took things down a notch this season. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026 Political handicapping has a way of knocking people down a couple of notches. — Nathan Gonzales Cq-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
Life opened like a zipper, separating them painfully at first, notch by notch, then faster, wider, until the garment lay split in two. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 Emilio Pagán pitched a scoreless ninth to notch his 23rd save in 26 tries. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notch
  1. chip
  2. canyon
  3. inch
  4. groove
  5. slit
  6. ravine
  7. step
  8. indent
Noun
  • As the fight wears on, money worries and the scrutiny of people around them chip away at the family’s income and its bonds.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The method might make sense for companies that have the capital to purchase AI chips but don't have enough power, data center space or skilled labor.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of chip
Noun
  • But the highlight of the spa is the infinity-edge rock pool, squeezed into a canyon between towering rock walls, with views out over the valley beyond.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The chapel overlooked a canyon, and Clementina designed the seating in the shape of a Greek amphitheater to accentuate the mountain landscape’s beauty.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of canyon
Noun
  • The familiar one-box shape remains for the new E-Space Concept, though with massive 23-inch wheels at the corners, the proportions are a little more Hot Wheels or Matchbox than the 1984 version.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Some places received 2 to 5 inches of rain, while others in Southern California got essentially no rain.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of inch
Verb
  • Michael Goessling remembers being eight years old and grooving to The Doobie Brothers.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His drive found the bunker down the left side, slightly down because of the rake grooves.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of groove
Noun
  • The ankle-length dress featured a vertical row of side buttons and a slit with an asymmetric, cuffed hem detail.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Cut a slit into the top of each pastry to vent, then brush the tops with more egg wash.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of slit
Noun
  • Killing a Bear Movistar Plus, Arte France In 2020, Cachou, a brown bear, is found dead in a ravine, sparking a criminal investigation.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The standout among the entertaining spaces is the baby-blue kitchen, which extends from the rear of the home into a rounded turret overlooking a ravine.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of ravine
Noun
  • The first step is to establish an identity of how to give that represents your core values.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • District officials took the unprecedented step of shutting down all district computer systems to limit the damage.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of step
Verb
  • Not soft, but tender enough to feel my fingers indent when gently squeezing them—perhaps two days away from being near perfectly ripe.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
  • All are distinctive, all indented subtly with Butler's happy-but-dead-eyed Bigface logo.
    — Pete Cottell, Wired News, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of indent

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Cite this Entry

“Notch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notch. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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