NOTE Synonyms: 412 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

note 1 of 2

verb

ˈnōt

Definition of note

as in to comment

to make a statement of one's opinion I'd like to note that I don't care for that tone of voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to record

to make a written note of a waitress hurriedly noting our orders

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes note the artist's rendering of the trees, how their leaves seem to dance in the wind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mention

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically the lecturer noted several sources where listeners could go for further information

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to follow

to take notice of and be guided by please note that the office will be closed tomorrow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

note

2 of 2

noun

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

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

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as in cry

a natural vocal sound made by an animal can you distinguish between the notes of the whippoorwill and the mockingbird?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in bill

a piece of printed paper used as money in the United States will you be paying in coins or notes?

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as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something spoke with a note of irritation in her voice

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as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general a writer of note among readers of modern poetry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in remark

a briefly expressed opinion let me read a few notes I jotted down while you were auditioning

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as in attention

a state of being aware during my long convalescence I had taken note of which friends had helped me and which ones had found other things to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in feature

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind an intense, full-bodied red wine with all of the spicy notes for which that grape variety is famous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

As the letter notes, the Board of Education and the school district have the primary responsibility for protecting the health and safety of our students and staff. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 As those critics noted, the Constitution doesn’t expressly authorize the Court to overturn acts of Congress. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Noun

Church & Dwight Analyst Anna Lizzul said in a recent note to clients that Church & Dwight management is pulling all the right levers in its turnaround. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 After missing the playoffs in 2025, Martin started off on a great note, handing a solid Mansfield program a 38-35 loss. — Charles Baggarly august 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for note

Recent Examples of Synonyms for note

Verb

In an unsigned email, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the department could not comment on active investigations but reinforced its commitment to charging and deporting undocumented immigrants who have unlawfully voted.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
While Steinem never directly commented on trad wives, her teachings still resonate, perhaps now more than ever in this increasingly political landscape.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of comment

Verb

Gravest Gravy, an album consisting of a dozen previously unheard tracks that were recorded in 1977, with Big Star’s Alex Chilton producing, captures the band’s pioneering psychobilly sound at its birth.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
In great Coppola family tradition, the late Eleanor Coppola was behind the scenes, recording her own video diaries that would become Making Marie Antoinette.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of record

Verb

The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
These wild swings in the numbers came while residents here didn’t notice any change to the slow but steady arrival of newcomers in dilapidated coaches.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

Of the around 46 pieces that mentioned Vrabel or his teams, nearly a third were transactional moves about trades or hires.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Black is mentioned repeatedly in files that the Justice Department has released related to the Epstein investigation.

— Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of mention

Verb

Carillo delivered a speech so rousing, witty and tender all at once that following her became something of an impossibility.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Braden Montgomery singled and Colson Montgomery followed with the three-run home run, giving the Sox a 4-0 lead.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of follow

Noun

But the lobbyist has doubled down on her criticism of McCuskey in a recent letter to Illinois’ four top legislative leaders and obtained by the Tribune.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
White formally declared for the draft in a letter sent to the WNBA league office by his attorney, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz.

— Jackson Thompson , Patricia Babcock McGraw OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of letter

Cite this Entry

Style

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of note

verb

noun

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