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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

notch

2 of 2

verb

as in to groove

Related Words

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
Take things up a notch and reserve in advance for Dinner on the Sandbar, a private five-course dinner in the shallows surrounding Little Palm Island. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 Despite being downgraded, US debt is still ranked a notch below perfect and ahead of debt from major economies like France and Japan. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
European banks have shaken off a weak first quarter to notch solid share price gains in the year to date, but Citi analysts warn their momentum may be fading. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Your Value initiative, of women who notch their greatest professional accomplishments after age 50. — Sarah Whitmire, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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
  • For decades, electronic chips have powered almost every digital device around us, from smartphones and computers to the servers running artificial intelligence.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The deal also helps Nvidia hedge against hyperscalers' custom chips.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of chip
Noun
  • Standing on stilts near the top of the canyon, it is surrounded by brush and dirt on either side and is more than 200 feet from the nearest house north of Mulholland.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The statue was modeled after a real burro that lived in the canyon in the early 20th century.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of canyon
Noun
  • At 6 feet 2 1/4 inches tall with almost 33-inch arms, Benefield has the rangy frame and athleticism that translates well to the field.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Plus, the 8-inch woofer blasts out thumping bass to get your blood pumping.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of inch
Verb
  • On Labor Day 2025, Zohran Kwame Mamdani enjoyed Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, grooving on various floats as an assemblyman representing Astoria, Queens.
    — Reshma B, VIBE.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • But Schlittler grooved a 95-mph cutter to Grissom in the seventh, and the Angels first baseman drove it over the center-field wall for a a 1-1 tie.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of groove
Noun
  • The campaign showcases Diesel’s creased denim treated with resin, 3-D denim, trompe l’oeil cable knit denim and the new regular-fit D-Heel jean, which has hidden vertical slits near the ankle, perfect for slipping through a stiletto heel.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The actress went strapless in a corseted leopard print Givenchy dress complete with a giant bow and a sultry thigh-high slit.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of slit
Noun
  • Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The helicopter then returned to the ravine and carried out the same technical maneuver to bring the second climber to safety.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of ravine
Noun
  • Potentially the final step before Aaron Judge returns to the majors is happening on Monday in an empty Yankee Stadium.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • As a 6-foot, 165-pound senior receiver for Moorpark, his quick first step combined with his jumping ability is making Musketeer fans think of their greatest athlete, NFL receiver Drake London.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 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

Phrases Containing notch

Browse Nearby Words

notations
notch
notchback
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Notch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notch. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of loath

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All