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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
Not only does the generation struggle with being on time, they also have been noted to miss assignments and be late. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 On the show, Kimmel noted that on the day of Kirk’s murder, there also was a shooting at a school in Colorado. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
Medium-term notes of five years, seven years adjust more slowly, reflecting both Fed policy and inflation expectations. Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Mosley will narrate the author’s note to the novel, and Michael Boatman will narrate the novel itself. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Campus police declined to comment when reached by USA TODAY.
    George Petras, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Patel’s office declined to comment on the letter.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Polish military said no airspace violations were recorded on Saturday after jets were deployed in the airspace along the border with Ukraine.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Tatis has been crafty on the base paths, recording 29 steals on 35 attempts.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While the container comes with a month's worth of capsules, many reviewers noticed results way sooner.
    Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Most notably the Democrats in Nevada's congressional delegation noticed.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As with any career as long as his, there have been moments when perhaps his aesthetic wasn’t so aligned with where fashion was going, but mention that and Roversi will gently put it to one side.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Bates gets fired up when productions shot outside Los Angeles are mentioned.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Never follow your boyfriend to college, especially a seemingly mediocre college, as Belly does with Jeremiah to the fictional Finch.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump signed a memo this week threatening to ban direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription medications, theoretically driving down pharma revenues.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The memo Friday came from Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Comcast president Mike Cavanagh and Mark Lazarus, who is CEO of Versant, the spinoff company that will include MSNBC (to be renamed MS NOW).
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Boelter’s motivation remains unclear, but investigators found a one-and-a-half-page letter, described as rambling and difficult to read, that was ascribed to him.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The president’s letter raised allegations made by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte that Cook had committed mortgage fraud by claiming two properties as her primary residence.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While conservatives have periodically questioned the need to fund public media throughout its decades, Berliner's essay provided a new rallying cry.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The dog's cries pierced people's hearts, and as of Thursday, the TikTok video reached over 278,000 views and 40,300 likes.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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