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
Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
Short handles feature rounded lines and notches that boost dexterity, while their symmetrical shape works well with either right or left-handed eaters.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notches
Noun
-
The war is also threatening the world's supply of helium and aluminum, key materials used in products such as semiconductor chips, medical equipment and other everyday goods.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
In fact, there was very little that the salt air and a bag of vinegary chips couldn't fix.—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Known as Hawaiʻi’s Garden Island, Kauaʻi embraces a multitude of landscapes, from the deeply creased and forested canyons of the North Shore to the sunny beaches and tropical botanical treasures of the south.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Other trails stretch beyond the giant trees, winding into river canyons and through dense forest.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday Ukraine is ready to mirror any ceasefire steps, having earlier proposed to Russia a pause in attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure over the Orthodox Easter holiday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
While 10,000 steps has long been promoted as a daily goal, studies have shown that many health benefits—especially for older adults—can occur at lower step counts.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cruz grooves onstage with the mystique of a natural rock star — this could well be her ultimate Hall of Fame moment.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
15 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Its large leaves develop holes and slits that have earned it the name Swiss cheese plant.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The comfy frock is midi-length, features subtle side slits, and is made from a lightweight, stretchy material.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
She was found hours later, barely alive and with a fractured skull, having been brutally raped and left for dead in one of the park’s ravines.—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Rock Creek Loop traverses approximately seven miles of ravines, creeks, subtropical forest, and small footbridges.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Scoot Henderson went off for a season-high 31 points, pouring in 5-of-9 3-pointers, in Portland’s victory.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Marcus Smart had 25 points with five 3-pointers and seven assists for the Lakers, who have twice overcome the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with a comprehensive team effort led by the 41-year-old James.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The island’s eastern region of Lasithi is home to dramatic gorges, small mountain villages, Europe’s largest natural palm forest—and fewer crowds.—
Yulia Denisyuk,
Robb Report,
16 Apr. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Notches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notches. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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