Definition of notenext
1
2
3
4
5

note

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
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

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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
Blanche said that crime in the city has dropped to a 25-year low, noting that overall crime is down 34% compared to last year. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026 But internalizing that rest is important is a different matter, Mastantuono noted. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
The letter arrived with a thumb drive purporting to contain the list of voters in question, and a handwritten note providing the password. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil is harvested early in the season at peak polyphenol levels, for a bold, grassy character with notes of green tomato, artichoke, and a signature peppery finish. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Meta declined to comment on whether Muse could still offer financial assistance if more banks move further to prevent AI agents from consumer accounts.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • His office declined to comment when asked about Overton’s involvement in drafting the scientific justification document.
    — David Lim, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Damage to refineries and disrupted shipping from the wars in Iran and Ukraine have pushed diesel to record highs in many markets, feeding directly into trucking, farming, and freight costs.
    — Heather Occhino, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • So strong was the Chicks’ commercial pull that their 2002 album Home—a trend-averse acoustic bluegrass album essentially recorded in secret—became a gargantuan hit, with two of its songs reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Be intentional about noticing autumn and Halloween displays on lawns and porches, which seem as popular as ever this year.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • They are focused on inspecting what is known as the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly that has been visible in aerial photos dating back to 1938 but was first noticed in satellite imagery in 2020.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Donald is effectively taking on the gig first mentioned to Deadline earlier this year by global productions chief Matt Forde, although at that point the role was more solely focused on scouting IP.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But Rankin does mention a thuggish figure named Kodama Yoshio, who worked for Japanese spy agencies in China while trading in narcotics and smuggled goods.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • An emergency program was followed by an initial slowdown in new cases after almost 20 million children received a vaccination in April and May.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Selma Blair’s team has released a lengthy statement regarding the actor’s recent arrest following an incident while aboard a flight.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The committee of inquiry will ultimately recommend whether there is cause to fire Cook, a White House memo last week said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters announced the cuts in a memo to staff Wednesday morning.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The extent of Israel’s cooperation with the payments was reflected in a 2020 letter from Yossi Cohen, then director of the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In the letter, Omar's attorneys accused the Justice Department of violating longstanding agency policy designed to avoid potentially influencing an election.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Over cries of foul from those who came in person, the board’s attorney Shayla Myers announced the meeting was canceled because the Zoom channel had a capacity of only 1,000.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Angry but empathetic, frank in its darkness but refusing to wallow in it, Tip Toe is a cry of frustration that cuts right to the heart.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on note

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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