NOTE Synonyms: 412 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

note 1 of 2

verb

ˈnōt

Definition of note next

as in to comment

to make a statement of one's opinion I'd like to note that I don't care for that tone of voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to record

to make a written note of a waitress hurriedly noting our orders

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as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes note the artist's rendering of the trees, how their leaves seem to dance in the wind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mention

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically the lecturer noted several sources where listeners could go for further information

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as in to follow

to take notice of and be guided by please note that the office will be closed tomorrow

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note

2 of 2

noun

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

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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

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as in cry

a natural vocal sound made by an animal can you distinguish between the notes of the whippoorwill and the mockingbird?

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as in bill

a piece of printed paper used as money in the United States will you be paying in coins or notes?

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as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something spoke with a note of irritation in her voice

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as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general a writer of note among readers of modern poetry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in remark

a briefly expressed opinion let me read a few notes I jotted down while you were auditioning

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as in attention

a state of being aware during my long convalescence I had taken note of which friends had helped me and which ones had found other things to do

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as in feature

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind an intense, full-bodied red wine with all of the spicy notes for which that grape variety is famous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Barnes noted that the team's computer simulations were limited by the number and sizes of the particles making up the clouds of pebbles that went on to form planetesimals. —

Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026 While a positive for city finances in the long run, continuing to make those payments puts extra strain on the rest of the budget, their ratings noted. —

A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

Noun

Another 53 pages of interviews and notes were withheld as well. —

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026 By evening, preferences naturally evolve to warmer, sweeter notes like vanilla, amber, chocolate or wood. —

Allison Hatfield, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for note

Recent Examples of Synonyms for note

Verb

Asked about the case at a briefing on Thursday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, declined to comment.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
When the Miami Herald visited her home Wednesday evening, a man was working in the garage but refused to comment on what happened that day.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026