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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
Officials also explored the possibility of adding other walking paths, and Bella noted Merrillville’s comprehensive plan update suggests a walkway under Interstate 65 to link Merrillville to Hobart. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 Police also noted that the Coroner’s office was preparing a report. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
Payne’s note to agency employees listed two email addresses — one belonging to the EPA and one to the Office of Personnel Management — where EPA employees could send details about DEI efforts. Mark Olalde, ProPublica, 16 May 2025 For a few seconds, save for a piano playing a few pensive notes, there was silence. Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, declined to comment when reached by CNN.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • The company declined to comment on those estimates.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Paul explained his lapse in judgment occurred while recording his podcast shortly after the event weekend.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • The process required the original foreign actors to record their dialogue in English prior to applying the pioneering TrueSynch technology.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 3 May 2025
  • But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • But then, on May 2nd, the White House released its final budget proposal, which didn’t mention Head Start at all.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 May 2025
  • Harbaugh mentioned two other undrafted free agents who popped on film: Kansas receiver Luke Grimm and Iowa State tight end Stevo Klotz.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The morbid series first began in 2000 and follows groups of people getting Rube Goldberg machine’d to death by unforeseen domino effects — a timeless concept if there ever was one.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • According to a school district memo, lunch prices have not increased in 12 years.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
  • The $16 billion hole is comprised of a $10 billion shortfall in capital gains, $2 billion in personal income tax with holdings and lower wages, $2.5 billion in corporation taxes, and $1.5 billion in other personal income tax items, according to the memo.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • All of the responses felt like a love letter to the City of Angels.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
  • His company also wrote her a recommendation letter to an acting school.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • The last flareup in the early 2010s involved a string of self-immolation incidents that critics called a desperate cry against the Chinese government’s ever-tightening grip on Tibetan society.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
  • Little of that matters to those anti-NFL folks on TikTok and to others resurrecting the bygone cries of league protesters over the Kaepernick situation.
    Terence Moore, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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