note 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5

note

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
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

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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
Vatican watchers noted Francis’ determination to sweep clean institutions that had become rife with dysfunction, factionalism and accusations of corruption. Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 As Southern critics noted at the time, for the wrong reasons but not with the wrong logic, the American Revolution was itself an act of secession—from a functioning and successful union. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Critics saw in these sermons superficial, saccharine notes divorced from scripture. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025 The pope’s passing added a somber note to an otherwise festive event. Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • When reached for comment, the China Film Administration did not immediately respond to Bloomberg’s request, and all four studios declined to comment.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Politics California, other states sue Trump administration to block cuts to AmeriCorps April 29, 2025 Dhillon, a San Francisco attorney, Republican Party insider and conservative pundit, declined to comment when asked by The Times about the senators’ letter.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On Wednesday, House member Berny Jacques attached language from the Cassel bill to an unrelated bill approved by the Senate clarifying that certain levels of radiation must be recorded before lawsuits could be brought against owners of former phosphate mines.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In the fifth inning, India recorded his 500th career hit against Astros starter Hayden Wesneski.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • People can improve their ability to notice and feel this positive emotion.
    Monica Y. Bartlett, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Is there construction around Epic Universe? Those who have been to Epic Universe's previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By 1911, their vines may have recovered, but the gap between the big firms and the small-time producers seemed wider than ever—not to mention the roiling resentment felt over the fraudulent products flooding the market.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In his on-air rebuke, Pelley was clear to mention that CBS had not killed any stories about the Trump administration or its effect on Americans’ lives in the past few months.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2006, Steve Irwin died following an injury from a stingray incurred during the filming of an underwater documentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The film follows a group of travel vloggers who find themselves in a remote village haunted by ancient rituals and a terrifying legend.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One interview memo that did surface shows that one of the other complainants likely committed perjury.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In a defense sentencing memo, Gonzalez’s attorney describes her as a gifted and enterprising young woman who acquired a B.S. degree in civil and environmental engineering and architectural design from Stanford in 2015, and was involved in other entrepreneurial activities beyond her drug business.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The letter was postmarked in London two days later, on April 12.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, despite critics’ cries of greenwashing and corporate astroturfing, there is still value to these devices.
    Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • This tender and slow hour isn’t for the restless, but a cathartic cry waits for those who make it to the end.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on note

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!