1
2
as in canyons
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
try to get through the notch before the storm blows in
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in steps
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking
sales for the album increased, and it moved up another notch on the music charts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of notches
John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Meteors turned it up a few notches after the break.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Told across seven hour-long episodes, Task takes its sweet time getting to know its characters, and as with Mare, Ingelsby’s patience and keen observation skills elevate this several notches above the standard TV crime drama.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025
As Central Division foes, they are always scheduled to play each other four times each season, but the last two years have turned that divisional rivalry up a few notches.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
The move to extend a close relationship with a streaming giant notches soundly into Meghan and Harry's post-palace strategy.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Further, Man’s Best Friend notches Carpenter’s biggest streaming week for an album, as well as 2025’s biggest streaming debut for an album by a woman.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Few love it as much when leveling the playing field means bumping them down a few notches.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Meteors turned it up a few notches after the break.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Told across seven hour-long episodes, Task takes its sweet time getting to know its characters, and as with Mare, Ingelsby’s patience and keen observation skills elevate this several notches above the standard TV crime drama.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025
As Central Division foes, they are always scheduled to play each other four times each season, but the last two years have turned that divisional rivalry up a few notches.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
The move to extend a close relationship with a streaming giant notches soundly into Meghan and Harry's post-palace strategy.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Further, Man’s Best Friend notches Carpenter’s biggest streaming week for an album, as well as 2025’s biggest streaming debut for an album by a woman.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notches
Noun
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The chain also offers side items such as chips and fruit, and cookies as a dessert option.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
-
OpenAI has made several other billion-dollar deals recently, including $10 billion to develop custom AI chips with Broadcom.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Sweeney slipped into a golden bikini top with metallic bottoms while posing near the red rock canyons, wearing a sheer cream-colored shirt and cowboy hat.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The most impressive part about the 2025 Honda Civic Si is its ability to play two lead roles—sporty in the canyons, yet very comfortable (and frugal with fuel) on the highway.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
-
By following these steps, organizations can ensure that archiving achieves the traditional, tactical objectives while also supporting broader business goals.—
Sean Nathaniel,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Laying in an almost illusion deconstruction, the black fabric featured cutouts to reveal the white corset beneath the bustline in a plunging V shape and at the sides, along with waist-high slits on either side of the front of the skirt.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Net pots are plastic containers with slits that allow roots to grow through.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the ravines have become junkyards, where home appliances, grocery carts, bald tires, grass clippings and autumn leaves have been dumped.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The tracks led north and east now, angling and twisting through the timber, across ravines and small draws, avoiding parks and passes, heading generally into the wind.—
Fred C. Mercer,
Outdoor Life,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Tigers came in with a 2-0 record and had allowed just 14 points in their first two games against New Bedford and Durfee.—
Zachary McMahon,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The team that racks up 13 points is declared the champion.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Quince Italian Leather Lug Sole Loafer Their trendy lug sole puts a chunky, modern spin on the classic loafer, while the grooves provide grip and stability, even on wet or uneven surfaces.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
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German luggage a popular choice A couple of players, including cornerback Trent McDuffie, traveled with Rimowa suitcases, recognized by the characteristic parallel grooves on the aluminum bags.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Corrèze’s natural world is really where the destination shines; between waterfalls, cliffs, lakes, bogs, gorges, and mountains, there’s no shortage of stunning land to explore.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Sep. 2025
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Over time, the powerful current carved out massive gorges and canyons, including the Grand Canyon of the Nujiang.—
Lauren Liebhaber
September 2,
Miami Herald,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Notches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notches. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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