1
2
as in canyons
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 steps
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
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of notches
John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Meteors turned it up a few notches after the break.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Told across seven hour-long episodes, Task takes its sweet time getting to know its characters, and as with Mare, Ingelsby’s patience and keen observation skills elevate this several notches above the standard TV crime drama.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025
As Central Division foes, they are always scheduled to play each other four times each season, but the last two years have turned that divisional rivalry up a few notches.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
The move to extend a close relationship with a streaming giant notches soundly into Meghan and Harry's post-palace strategy.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Further, Man’s Best Friend notches Carpenter’s biggest streaming week for an album, as well as 2025’s biggest streaming debut for an album by a woman.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Few love it as much when leveling the playing field means bumping them down a few notches.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Meteors turned it up a few notches after the break.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Told across seven hour-long episodes, Task takes its sweet time getting to know its characters, and as with Mare, Ingelsby’s patience and keen observation skills elevate this several notches above the standard TV crime drama.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025
As Central Division foes, they are always scheduled to play each other four times each season, but the last two years have turned that divisional rivalry up a few notches.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
The move to extend a close relationship with a streaming giant notches soundly into Meghan and Harry's post-palace strategy.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Further, Man’s Best Friend notches Carpenter’s biggest streaming week for an album, as well as 2025’s biggest streaming debut for an album by a woman.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notches
Noun
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But Amon has looked to diversify the company into new areas, including PC chips, data center semiconductors and automotive.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
These likewise have options for increasing the RAM and storage or accessing more powerful Intel Core Ultra V-series chips.—
Jorge Jimenez,
PC Magazine,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There was that ring around the moon and the sycamores and maples turned yellow in the canyons.—
Robert Easton,
Outdoor Life,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Over time, the powerful current carved out massive gorges and canyons, including the Grand Canyon of the Nujiang.—
Lauren Liebhaber
September 2,
Miami Herald,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Individuals with troublesome tax histories should seek advice on potential exposure and consider remedial steps.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Positive steps toward a reconciliation seemed to take place over the summer, with Prince Harry's aides and one of the King's key staffers meeting for the first time in July.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The piping adds an athletic flair to the mock-neck sweater and sweatpant set, and small slits on the front of the hems add extra interest.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Desmond Castle stands watch beyond the village park—its stone battlements and arrow slits recalling Norman skirmishes and feudal lords.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the ravines have become junkyards, where home appliances, grocery carts, bald tires, grass clippings and autumn leaves have been dumped.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The tracks led north and east now, angling and twisting through the timber, across ravines and small draws, avoiding parks and passes, heading generally into the wind.—
Fred C. Mercer,
Outdoor Life,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The track’s success proved his instincts right about creating accessible entry points for new audiences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
-
And when the second half started, Gay couldn’t turn a solid Commanders drive into three more points, banging the ball off the right goal post.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Quince Italian Leather Lug Sole Loafer Their trendy lug sole puts a chunky, modern spin on the classic loafer, while the grooves provide grip and stability, even on wet or uneven surfaces.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
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German luggage a popular choice A couple of players, including cornerback Trent McDuffie, traveled with Rimowa suitcases, recognized by the characteristic parallel grooves on the aluminum bags.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Over time, the powerful current carved out massive gorges and canyons, including the Grand Canyon of the Nujiang.—
Lauren Liebhaber
September 2,
Miami Herald,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The journey runs the entire length of Australia from south to north, covering 1,851 miles and traversing dramatic gorges and curious rock formations of the ancient mountains of the Flinders Ranges.—
Alesandra Dubin,
AFAR Media,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Notches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notches. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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