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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in remark

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Mundo Deportivo corroborates these key figures, while noting that Cancelo only has a year left on his contract at Al-Hilal. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The coach noted Adebo’s absence and was asked why the corner wasn’t there. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

Releasing Fauci’s personal notes fuels grudge match instead of reform. — Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026 Claypool swapped his four-string bass for a six-string, a bigger, heftier slab of wood that could support even lower notes. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for note

Recent Examples of Synonyms for note

Verb

That $5 million check marks Lauder’s biggest one-time donation he’s made at the federal level, campaign finance records show, and his representatives did not comment on the motivation behind it.

— Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
John Carroll School comments on arrest A statement from the John Carroll School said Goedeke had not been employed by the school since February of this year and that the suspect no longer had any ties to the institution.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of comment

Verb

Across Asia, thousands of first-time investors have recently piled in to stock markets, hoping to cash in on the massive tech boom that boosted indexes in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan to record highs earlier this year.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Paul Sewald came in to record the final out after Kevin Ginkel allowed two hits and two walks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of record

Verb

The company noticed the order, reached out, and built a formal marketing relationship from there.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, a legal services nonprofit, has been noticing an uptick in ICE arrests at airports around the region.

— Dennis Valera, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of notice

Noun

The remaining eight lots have not yet been settled on, and their development would require future city approval of the preliminary plans, according to the city memo.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
In his memo announcing his decision to leave DeepMind, Hassabis again leans on the promise of AGI.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of memo

Noun

Mark Zuckerberg, then Facebook’s chief executive, used the now-infamous line in a February 2012 investor letter.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Over the weekend, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirmed the country’s support for Hezbollah in a letter addressed to its leader Naim Qassem.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of letter

Noun

Martin was then immediately handcuffed and arrested as the little girl’s cries were heard from inside the car.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
The cries of seagulls, water lapping against the boat, the rumble of engines and the arrival of speedboats ferrying cast and crew give the sense of sharing the actors’ long waits on the open water.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Definition of cry

Cite this Entry

Style

“Note.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/note. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of note

verb

noun

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