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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
President Trump clapped back early Tuesday, noting the enormous federal subsidies Musk's various companies receive from the government and suggesting that the Department of Government Efficiency — which Musk led before stepping down late May — look into any spending flowing into Musk's empire. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025 Fellow Republican Bush also appeared in the recorded message with a rebuke of Trump’s efforts, noting that the cuts will drastically impact the landmark AIDS/HIV program started in his administration that is credited with saving tens of millions of lives globally. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Noun
Garrison studies these two-way dynamic chemical conversations and likens the process to a symphony in which hormones act as notes, creating an interplay between ovaries and organs. Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025 The Sovereign Grant report summary, covering April 2024 to March 2025, also included several key updates — among them, the note that both King Charles and Princess Kate began phased returns to public duties during this period following their cancer diagnoses. Janine Henni, People.com, 30 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
  • Washington’s lawyer declined to comment on the plea deal.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Federal researchers are reporting the lowest number of migrating gray whale calves ever recorded off the West Coast.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
  • South Korean arms have been popular in recent years as defense spending surged, sending shares of the country’s defense firms to record highs.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.
    Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Residents in the area may continue to notice a gas-like odor.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • After weeks of festivities—not to mention tens of millions of dollars—Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are officially married.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 June 2025
  • Investors are hoping the trade war doesn’t escalate again, inflation stays in check, earnings can power through, and the economy doesn’t tip into a recession—not to mention containing tension in the Middle East.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Some of the best ways include the following: Garshick says that regular exfoliation, chemical or physical, helps to prevent the buildup of dead skin, and prevents the pores from becoming clogged.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This is especially in-demand and lucrative as more companies seek to prioritize AI integration and implementation as well as strategy, like Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO made clear in a memo released two weeks ago.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Hooker’s attorneys are scheduled to file a memo of their own later Monday.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The story, which is available as a board book, invites readers to spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet, including apple, baseball and clouds — as well as items more specific to a Pride parade.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • While Bowie envisioned an Earth careening toward apocalypse in a flamboyant, theatrical cry, Drake’s five leaves are quieter, lonelier — more like the end of a season than the end of a world.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
  • Advertisement For Democrats, the speech served as a rallying cry against Trump’s legislation and as a broader indictment of his second-term priorities and the Republican majority’s alignment with them.
    Nik Popli, Time, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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