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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
  • Ben Pagani, a spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools, declined to comment on the pending investigation.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • The city of Fort Worth declined to comment on the developers’ legal actions.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The longest humpback whale migration ever recorded was 8,106 miles, from South America to Africa, though more typical distances are around 5,000 miles.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • The Hamptons episode, recorded in August 2024, is one of the podcast’s most listened to episodes since the show was acquired by SiriusXM last year.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 18 May 2025
  • Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Mescudi did not mention Combs in connection with the car explosion.
    Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The Royals had one of the best one-season turnarounds in MLB history, following a 106-loss year with a playoff appearance.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
  • Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Many of the points raised in these memos are difficult to rebut from a factual standpoint.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 May 2025
  • According to in-game memos, AI ushered in an era of progress.
    G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Four state agencies pointed to Senate Bill 250 in letters opposing the county’s recent move to restore wetland protections.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • This decision, communicated in a letter to the university, impacts currently enrolled international students.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The user's husband initially dismissed the sound as a fox, but as the cries continued, curiosity took over.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • The life of Pope Leo shows that one’s identity and loyalties are shaped by experience, and Leo’s experience is one with deep roots outside of the U.S., closeness to the cry of the poor, and the clear conviction that the best way to lead is through service rather than raw power and fear.
    Raúl E. Zegarra, Time, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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