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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Recent Examples of notches
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Next stop, Crossroads School, where the level of musicianship rose several notches.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
In December, the city’s credit rating got a major boost from S&P Global, which upgrades the city’s long-term rating two notches to A- from BBB because of improving financial strength.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Oracle's 5-year credit default swaps widened as bond investors were skeptical of the enterprise software company's ability to hold on to its investment-grade credit rating, currently two notches above junk.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Taking it up several notches is Kusa Nori, an incredible Japanese spot that may well rank as my top restaurant pick in Las Vegas.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The change was automatic; Fitch has a policy to keep its STSC ratings within six notches of the city’s.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers analyzed thousands of crosses, dots, notches and lines.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Look to the scalloped notches on the edge of the wood bench, knots in the natural wood, and subtle gold accents as proof of that.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
The most distinctive difference are tiny notches in the second tail feather of the adult male rufous hummingbird.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Next stop, Crossroads School, where the level of musicianship rose several notches.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
In December, the city’s credit rating got a major boost from S&P Global, which upgrades the city’s long-term rating two notches to A- from BBB because of improving financial strength.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Oracle's 5-year credit default swaps widened as bond investors were skeptical of the enterprise software company's ability to hold on to its investment-grade credit rating, currently two notches above junk.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Taking it up several notches is Kusa Nori, an incredible Japanese spot that may well rank as my top restaurant pick in Las Vegas.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The change was automatic; Fitch has a policy to keep its STSC ratings within six notches of the city’s.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Researchers analyzed thousands of crosses, dots, notches and lines.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Look to the scalloped notches on the edge of the wood bench, knots in the natural wood, and subtle gold accents as proof of that.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notches
Noun
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Other National Burrito Day Deals Tocaya - Tocaya Rewards Members will receive a free side of chips and guacamole with the purchase of a burrito from Tocaya on National Burrito Day.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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This flavor is made with in-season strawberries and packed with Graeter's dark chocolate chips.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Landscape painters, lithographers, and photographers introduced Easterners to the Romantic West of sublime landscapes filled with tow-ering peaks and deep canyons and Indians who seemed to exist only in small numbers, fated to disappear as American pioneers swept westward.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The green Rio Grande rests like a ribbon in the jaws of jagged canyons.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The players in this for the long haul — Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones, Patrick Williams and Giddey — are still wrapping their heads around the next steps for a rebuild.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Waxahachie head coach Ariel Raney glances toward the scoreboard as an Indians batter steps to the plate to start the bottom of the third inning of play against Duncanville.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Released at the top of the year, Vacancy, her third studio effort, highlights Lennox’s warm, buttery voice over the sultry grooves she’s known for.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The dial consists of two metal plates that boast ripple-like slits layered over a structural color film.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Raquel Welch brought her signature va-va-voom and fashion-forward style to the Oscars, with low necklines, high slits, and daring silhouettes, during a time when the ceremony dress code was much more (literally) buttoned-up.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ponds, streams, small ravines, and valleys provide drama throughout its 27 acres.—
Amy Waldman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2026
-
If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Towns finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and seven turnovers on 8-of-12 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action on Wednesday.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The key now is to foster stronger intracontinental dialogue—turning these events from mere entry points into active hubs of exchange among artists, institutions, and audiences.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One of the most popular hikes—the Vikos Gorge—journeys through one of the deepest gorges, winding along quiet villages and monasteries.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.—
Jasmine Ting,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Notches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notches. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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