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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in cry

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in remark

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some users note a slight white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 And, Schale notes, in most of these contests, district lines have been redrawn to benefit Republicans. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Noun

But there’s a hopeful note buried under the harrowing descriptions. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 Rye and sweet vermouth mingle with albaloo (Persian sour cherry) and the savory, floral notes of saffron. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for note

Recent Examples of Synonyms for note

Verb

Hutchinson declined to comment through her lawyer on Tuesday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
But when mother Fumiko (Asami Usuda) comments that their youngest was complaining about never seeing her father (Takahiro Miura) smile, the cracks beneath this veneer of domestic bliss quickly become apparent.

— James Marsh, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of comment

Verb

Research partners recorded the various sounds that drones make when their propellers get chipped or cracked or their motor becomes damaged or begins to fail.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
The practice involves writing down your intrusive thoughts and fears, and even recording yourself talking about them, and playing that recording back to yourself.

— Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of record

Verb

Slide 1 of 15 The entries included license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles and descriptions of law enforcement personnel Willie Herndon believed were following him, the complaint said.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
That was soon followed by two short drives, both finished by junior running back Dylan Riley.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of follow

Noun

Instead, this memo claims, sending people to live in institutions—away from their families, friends, and beds—is an acceptable option.

— Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 Oct. 2026
Most of Mack’s official correspondence in his new job – which includes speeches, letters and memos — has likely been written by AI, according to a Miami Herald analysis using the company Pangram’s AI writing detection software.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of memo

Noun

The subpoenas request any documents and communications related to letters sent in July and October by federal officials to state election officials outlining the allegations about noncitizen voters.

— Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
In all capital letters, deputes are warned not to drive the wrong way to chase someone.

— Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of letter

Noun

As much an acknowledgment of survival as a rallying cry, the song draws out sadness as well as satisfaction from the audience.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Her friend’s cries mixed with the sound of police car sirens before officers arrived and escorted students and staff out the building.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of cry

Cite this Entry

Style

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of note

verb

noun

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