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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
Vatican watchers noted Francis’ determination to sweep clean institutions that had become rife with dysfunction, factionalism and accusations of corruption. Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 As Southern critics noted at the time, for the wrong reasons but not with the wrong logic, the American Revolution was itself an act of secession—from a functioning and successful union. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Critics saw in these sermons superficial, saccharine notes divorced from scripture. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025 The pope’s passing added a somber note to an otherwise festive event. Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for note
Recent Examples of Synonyms for note
Verb
  • County officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Hertz declined to comment Friday on Ackman’s stake in the company.
    Michael Wayland,Yun Li, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Malachi Moore, Alabama Moore was a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide and recorded seven interceptions over five college seasons.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • On Wednesday, House member Berny Jacques attached language from the Cassel bill to an unrelated bill approved by the Senate clarifying that certain levels of radiation must be recorded before lawsuits could be brought against owners of former phosphate mines.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Is there construction around Epic Universe? Those who have been to Epic Universe's previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • After his College Hill debut, his skin cleared up and people noticed.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 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
  • But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above.
    Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2006, Steve Irwin died following an injury from a stingray incurred during the filming of an underwater documentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin is following behind his big sister Bindi, 26, who competed on season 21 of the show with Hough as her partner and won back in 2015.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One interview memo that did surface shows that one of the other complainants likely committed perjury.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In a defense sentencing memo, Gonzalez’s attorney describes her as a gifted and enterprising young woman who acquired a B.S. degree in civil and environmental engineering and architectural design from Stanford in 2015, and was involved in other entrepreneurial activities beyond her drug business.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The second Jane Doe received KU Health’s letter and has received treatment at KU Health facilities for other matters.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Lisa Anderson, a U.S. citizen who lives in Connecticut, received a letter via email instructing her to self-deport, according to NBC News.
    Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, despite critics’ cries of greenwashing and corporate astroturfing, there is still value to these devices.
    Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • This tender and slow hour isn’t for the restless, but a cathartic cry waits for those who make it to the end.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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