note 1 of 2

Definition of notenext
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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
By way of example, Massena notes that in 2023, his brand introduced a monopusher chronograph in collaboration with the independent watchmaker Sylvain Pinaud. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 At work on a thesis about the history of maternity fashion, Grace Wikowski, a graduate student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, noted how Princess Diana did not shy away from the public eye during her pregnancies in the 1980s. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Noun
Against the backdrop of British Prime Ministers Keir Starmer’s resignation and London’s hottest-ever June day, a Sotheby’s double-header evening sale on Wednesday offered a rare note of reassurance. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 The tankers, which were not Iranian in origin, had been stuck in the Gulf for more than three months after Tehran effectively closed Hormuz early in the war, Kpler analysts said in a Tuesday note. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • To help identify which aspects to comment on, Ginexi provides a helpful breakdown of the different sections of the OMB’s proposal.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • Officials were not able to comment on what prompted the man to set himself on fire.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • In France, more than 1,000 excess deaths were recorded during the heat spell, according to the country’s national public health agency.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The person recording the incident briefly turned the camera away after the blast.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Court documents say witnesses noticed Lopez acting strangely before the attack.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The department’s limited release of materials prompted outcry and lawsuits from people saying the department was acting to protect rich and powerful people mentioned in the files.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • There are a couple of biological facts that should be mentioned.
    Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The reality is that leading men dictate roles and others follow as needed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • The Kings trailed 76-75 following a jumper by Tyler Bilodeau with 52 seconds to go.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • In a memo circulated to residents in October 2024, the association’s board of directors said banning flags in common areas was in the best interest of everyone in the community.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The memo acknowledges its reading is at odds with how federal courts have understood Olmstead for nearly three decades.
    Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Violators get warning letters before fines are given, and ultimately, water may be disconnected.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • For some, the good news started with a whisper — or a baby’s cry.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • Such efforts at avoidance would lead to cries to apply payroll taxes to non-salary incomes such as dividends.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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