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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
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The 2024 Cincinnati Reds, it should be noted, did not go to the World Series. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
Under the tariffs, the price of Apple’s newest iPhone 16 Pro Max 256 GB could increase by as much as 56 percent, driving the price tag from about $1,199 to $1,874, UBS analysts shared in a research note when the Chinese tariffs stood at 104 percent. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 The 10-year U.S. Treasury note was up 14 basis points to 4.40 as a multi-day bond rout continued. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • Most Redditors who commented on the post seemed to agree.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Daugherty declined to comment on the board’s plans.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration expects the new rates to remain in place until the U.S. narrows a $1.2 trillion trade imbalance recorded last year.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • That estimate is partially based on lab tests in mice, where scientists found that just 0.010 milligrams of venom per kilogram of body weight was enough to kill half the test group — the most potent venom ever recorded for a land snake — so powerful that even a drop too small to see could be fatal.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • During the afternoon, boaters noticed four families of orcas, also known as killer whales, lurking near the surface.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ashton also mentioned significant obstacles that faced the cast and crew after the destructive Los Angeles wildfires in January.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Forty years later, his name is still being mentioned as one of the greatest ever from Charlotte, or Chris Robinson, who averaged 50 points per game in middle school.
    Langston Wertz Jr., Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier: The 2025 Cannes Film Festival lineup was revealed bright and early, starting at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 10 for those following in the States.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For me, style is more about observing people in different places, rather than just following online trends.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Strategic Ambiguity In late March, The Washington Post cited an internal memo, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and distributed to Pentagon employees, appearing to double down on the U.S.'s pivot to the Indo-Pacific region.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The memo from Bond is largely geared toward some Democrats on the committee who may be hesitant to back the bill.
    Maria Curi, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy commissioner of the state Department of Education, said in a letter dated Friday to the federal Education Department that state officials do not believe the federal agency has authority to make such demands.
    Time, Time, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Positions And Guidance In a letter to the House of Representatives, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) endorsed four bipartisan bills, all of which have received overwhelming support in the House.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to Desai, during the procedure the volunteer let out a cry of pain, but when questioned about it later the volunteer had no memory.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, a cacophony of cries to turn off the mics and burn the audio mixers is rising.
    Essence, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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