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note

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noun

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as in memo
a usually brief written reminder I'll make a note to myself so I don't forget to pick up some milk on the way home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in letter
a message on paper from one person or group to another write a friendly note to the neighbors asking them to keep the noise down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word note distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of note are mark, sign, symptom, and token. While all these words mean "a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible," note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

When could mark be used to replace note?

The words mark and note can be used in similar contexts, but mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

When is it sensible to use sign instead of note?

The words sign and note are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

Where would symptom be a reasonable alternative to note?

In some situations, the words symptom and note are roughly equivalent. However, symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

In what contexts can token take the place of note?

The meanings of token and note largely overlap; however, token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

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 note
Verb
The researchers noted that having this model answer 600,000 questions would create CO2 emissions equal to a London-New York return flight. New Atlas, 20 June 2025 In addition, Morgan Stanley on Wednesday noted that the bank had removed Pop Mart from its China and Hong Kong focus list, replacing it with insurance company PICC P&C, according to CNBC. Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
The weekend ended on a high note for Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025 The cool climate keeps alcohol levels low and acidity high, producing crisp, pale wines with notes of tart red berries. Rachel King, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Ché is somehow here, too, and commenting on the fact that the Argentine upper class (and military) disapprove of Eva.
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 29 June 2025
  • His lawyers have declined to comment on the charges, which could carry the federal death penalty.
    Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • The southpaw has appeared in 35 games this season and recorded 14 saves for the Red Sox.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Empathy means noticing and adjusting expectations without penalizing people for being human. 4.
    Jody Michael, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The firemen noticed Pilon, but every time one of them tried to get beyond the protection of the trucks, Barbaro fired at them.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Numbers mentioned in the media have suggested a fee in the region of €60 million ($70 million).
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Not to mention, there is a great walking path that connects to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
    Katie Black, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The Context American Pickers quickly became a History Channel hit following its debut in January 2010.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • Kelson helps Spike and the baby to escape another attack but Samson follows Spike to the island, where the Alpha is killed.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The original demo was just an acoustic guitar in a voice memo that Tucker Beathard did.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 18 June 2025
  • The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sets a 60-day deadline for these nations to meet new security and documentation requirements.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Among the signatories of the letters were two Politicians sanctioned by China for their advocacy on the situation of human rights in China and Hong Kong - Lord Alton of Liverpool and Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws LT KC, and the last Governor of Hong Kong - the Rt Hon.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • At the June 27 news conference, Trump said his administration would soon send out letters to U.S. trading partners informing them of their tariff rate.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Whatever happened to the political left’s cry that no one is above the law?
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025
  • The mournful cries of nearby Slow-Lows draw attention from other infected in the area, who plant themselves along the top of a picturesque hill waiting for the Alpha’s signal to attack.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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