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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Recent Examples of notches
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
The most distinctive difference are tiny notches in the second tail feather of the adult male rufous hummingbird.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Next stop, Crossroads School, where the level of musicianship rose several notches.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
In December, the city’s credit rating got a major boost from S&P Global, which upgrades the city’s long-term rating two notches to A- from BBB because of improving financial strength.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Oracle's 5-year credit default swaps widened as bond investors were skeptical of the enterprise software company's ability to hold on to its investment-grade credit rating, currently two notches above junk.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Taking it up several notches is Kusa Nori, an incredible Japanese spot that may well rank as my top restaurant pick in Las Vegas.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The change was automatic; Fitch has a policy to keep its STSC ratings within six notches of the city’s.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers analyzed thousands of crosses, dots, notches and lines.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Rotten Tomatoes audience score on Galaxy Movie stands at 91%, which is a few notches below the 95% on the 2023 film.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
The most distinctive difference are tiny notches in the second tail feather of the adult male rufous hummingbird.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Next stop, Crossroads School, where the level of musicianship rose several notches.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
In December, the city’s credit rating got a major boost from S&P Global, which upgrades the city’s long-term rating two notches to A- from BBB because of improving financial strength.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Oracle's 5-year credit default swaps widened as bond investors were skeptical of the enterprise software company's ability to hold on to its investment-grade credit rating, currently two notches above junk.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Taking it up several notches is Kusa Nori, an incredible Japanese spot that may well rank as my top restaurant pick in Las Vegas.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The change was automatic; Fitch has a policy to keep its STSC ratings within six notches of the city’s.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers analyzed thousands of crosses, dots, notches and lines.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notches
Noun
-
Fortune’s Amanda Gerut reports the company is worried the reputational risk could strain its relationship with $4 trillion chipmaker Nvidia, which supplies Supermicro with chips.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Spicy bread-and-butter pickle chips add just the right amount of kick.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That's because there are natural barriers of these sprawling mountains and canyons.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Landscape painters, lithographers, and photographers introduced Easterners to the Romantic West of sublime landscapes filled with tow-ering peaks and deep canyons and Indians who seemed to exist only in small numbers, fated to disappear as American pioneers swept westward.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These steps will help match you with a child or sibling group that your family will fit well with.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
However, recent amendments clarified that parks are not automatically considered closed if destroyed by a disaster, and that additional steps are required to terminate tenancy rights.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Released at the top of the year, Vacancy, her third studio effort, highlights Lennox’s warm, buttery voice over the sultry grooves she’s known for.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The comfy frock is midi-length, features subtle side slits, and is made from a lightweight, stretchy material.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Using a sharp knife, cut 2 slits, about 2 inches apart, through fat on edge of each pork chop.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Rock Creek Loop traverses approximately seven miles of ravines, creeks, subtropical forest, and small footbridges.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
-
If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Banchero made six of his first eight shots to reach 13 first-half points and added four rebounds and three assists before the break.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Clay Fuller, the Republican candidate, prevailed by 12 points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the most popular hikes—the Vikos Gorge—journeys through one of the deepest gorges, winding along quiet villages and monasteries.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.—
Jasmine Ting,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Notches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notches. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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