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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
Buckler endorsed Radiance, noting that founder Fran Simeoni had worked at Arrow for many years before launching his own venture. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 June 2025 Lab directors at Northwestern noted there’s a rigorous process for procuring federal grants each submission cycle. Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
Noun
This latest narrative, told in organic modernist with a hint of radical notes, is much rooted in his personal living space. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 June 2025 On a spicier note, a seductive square between Mars in your eighth house of mergers and Uranus in your fifth house of passion on June 15 could trigger a deep (but impromptu) emotional pull that catches you off guard. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • Most lawmakers declined to comment on those measures.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
  • Acutis' first miracle was recorded in 2020, according to CNN.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Nineteenth-century Americans did not simply notice hair’s unusual properties.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • Build space into your schedule to notice these things.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The shooting was only briefly mentioned during Saturday’s ‘No Kings’ rally on the west steps of the Capitol, where thousands gathered to protest federal government overreach and aggressive immigration enforcement.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025
  • As Fowler mentioned, the Colts could have one of the more interesting QB battles in the NFL during training camp.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • When Austin and Phoenix cleared the way for semiconductor expansion, billions in private investment followed.
    Ethan Karp, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But overshadowing much of his testimony will be the Pentagon's decision to send some 4,800 troops, including 700 Marines, to Los Angeles following several days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement there.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • According to an internal memo from the BOP, Joshua Smith was named Deputy Director at the BOP.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Justin Sullivan/Getty Images What To Know Walmart is laying off up to 106 staffers in its technology office in San Bruno, California, according to an internal memo shared with Newsweek by a Walmart spokesperson.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • As literacy expanded to new social strata, and new periodicals circulated among increasingly diverse publics, what letter writers could divulge and columnists could discuss changed.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • The Correa-Kim letter says OCFA officials submitted a grant request to Cal OES Deputy Chief Carlos Camarena three hours after the fire started.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Surveillance footage from the home reviewed by investigators allegedly showed the foster mother punching the toddler in the head, yanking her by her hair so violently that the child's head struck floors and furniture, hitting her with a wooden spoon and covering her mouth to silence her cries.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Here, the actress recalls some of her favorite career memories, the part that got away, and the film that always makes her cry.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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