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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

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

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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
  • Now, America’s Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is commenting on the tariffs, and warning everyone that this is more far-reaching than a single, upcoming console.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Earle-Sears campaign did not comment about the possible GOP primary challenger but said the lieutenant governor is building up a coalition that can win.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That is the lowest level recorded since NBC News began asking the question in 1990.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Indian hair oiling has become big business Hair oiling is an Indian tradition recorded in ancient Sanskrit medicinal texts like Charaka Samhita, and passed on through the centuries.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 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
  • Dealing with the Unification Wars that had only ever been mentioned in passing, Macross Zero was meant to show how these wars were fought and, more importantly, what for.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • As mentioned above, De Bruyne is also a good option to replace Palmer with.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Suzuki initially experienced discomfort in his wrist following a headfirst slide on a steal of second base Monday at Wrigley Field.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Opta defines these sequences as an attempt on goal created after the defending side attack quickly following a regain of possession inside their own half.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Education announced plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees on Tuesday, while the Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a reorganization that includes curing 80,000 jobs, according to an internal memo obtained by The AP earlier this month.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The memo is being challenged in federal lawsuits from the nation’s two largest teachers’ unions.
    Collin Binkley, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Athletic obtained Burns’ termination letter and the school’s investigation in a public records request, shedding light on what went into the decision.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • McLean acknowledged that the city had received letters from Attorney General Raul Labrador and Sheriff Matt Clifford.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 17 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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