Ever find yourself staring at a blank cursor, wondering if "notable" is actually the word you want? It happens to the best of us. You want to sound smart, maybe a little sophisticated, but not like you're trying too hard. Using notable in a sentence seems easy until you realize it’s one of those "goldilocks" words. Use it too much and you sound like a Victorian novelist; use it wrong and you just sound confused.
Most people treat "notable" as a generic synonym for "big" or "cool." It’s not. It’s about being worthy of notice. It’s about standing out from the crowd for a specific reason.
What Does Notable Actually Mean?
Before we dive into the deep end, let's get the definition straight. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "worthy of attention or notice; remarkable." Notice that "worthy" part. It’s a value judgment. If a sandwich is notable, it's not just a sandwich; it’s a sandwich that changed your life or at least made you reconsider your stance on sourdough.
Think about the difference between something being "noticeable" and "notable." If I wear a neon green tracksuit to a funeral, it’s noticeable. People will definitely see me. Is it notable? Only if I’m a famous eccentric or if the tracksuit has some historical significance. Otherwise, it’s just a bad fashion choice.
When you use notable in a sentence, you are flagging to the reader that what follows is important. You’re saying, "Hey, pay attention to this specific thing because it matters."
The Nuance of Remarkable vs. Notable
People mix these up constantly. Remarkable implies that people are literally remarking on it—it’s surprising or unusual. Notable is more grounded. It’s about significance within a context. A notable achievement in physics might not be "remarkable" to the average person on the street who doesn't understand the math, but within the scientific community, it’s a pillar of the field.
Honestly, it’s all about the stakes.
How to Use Notable in a Sentence (With Real Examples)
Let’s look at how this word actually lives in the wild. You can’t just pepper it in like salt; it has to fit the rhythm of your thought.
Example 1: The Historical Context
"One of the most notable aspects of the 19th-century industrial revolution was the rapid shift from rural living to urban centers."
In this case, the word is doing heavy lifting. It’s categorizing a massive historical trend. It’s not just a "big" aspect; it’s an aspect that historians agree defines the era.
Example 2: The Casual Observation
"There was a notable absence of snacks at the party, which, quite frankly, ruined my night."
Here, the tone is lighter. The absence was "worthy of notice" because, well, people want to eat. It’s a perfectly valid way to use the word in a conversational setting.
Example 3: Professional Settings
"The candidate had several notable qualifications, including a decade of experience in international law."
This feels formal and precise. It tells the hiring manager that these specific qualifications aren't just "good"—they are the ones that make this person stand out.
You see? The word is flexible. It’s a shapeshifter.
Common Mistakes That Make You Look Like an Amateur
The biggest sin is using "notable" when you really mean "notorious." This is a classic blunder. If someone is notorious, they are famous for something bad. If they are notable, they are famous for something... well, notable. Usually positive or neutral.
"He was notable for his many bank robberies."
Unless he robbed banks in a particularly artistic or historically significant way that improved society, you probably mean "notorious."
Another mistake? Over-modifying it.
"It was very, extremely, incredibly notable."
Just stop. "Notable" is a strong word on its own. It’s like saying "very unique." It either is or it isn't. Adding "very" in front of it often weakens the impact. If it’s that big of a deal, use a different word, like "extraordinary" or "monumental." Or just let "notable" do its job.
The Grammar of Notability
Usually, "notable" functions as an adjective. It describes a noun.
- A notable person.
- A notable event.
- A notable lack of common sense.
But it can also be a noun (though this is rarer and feels a bit old-school).
"The city’s notables gathered at the gala to discuss the new museum."
In this context, "notables" refers to the VIPs, the big wigs, the people who matter in that specific social circle. It’s a bit stuffy, but it works if you’re writing a society column or a period piece.
Positioning the Word
Where you put the word changes the "flavor" of the sentence.
- At the start: "Notable among the findings was the discovery of a new species of frog." This puts the emphasis squarely on the importance of the discovery.
- In the middle: "The discovery of a new species of frog was notable for several reasons." This is more clinical and explanatory.
- At the end: "The team found a new species of frog, which was quite notable." This feels a bit more like an afterthought or a casual remark.
Why Synonyms Matter (and When to Use Them)
Sometimes "notable" isn't the right tool for the job. You’ve got to know when to put it back in the toolbox.
If you’re talking about something that is simply easy to see, use noticeable.
"There is a noticeable stain on your shirt." (You aren't saying the stain is important or worthy of a history book; you're just saying it's visible.)
If you’re talking about something that is world-class, use distinguished.
"She is a distinguished professor of linguistics." (This implies a level of honor and prestige that "notable" doesn't quite reach.)
If you’re talking about something that is just plain huge, use significant.
"There has been a significant increase in coffee consumption this morning." (This refers to the quantity or the data, not necessarily the "worthiness" of the notice.)
Why We Use "Notable" At All
Language is about precision. We use notable in a sentence because it provides a specific shade of meaning that other words don't. It bridges the gap between "I saw it" and "it matters."
In an age of clickbait and hyperbole, where everything is "SHOCKING" or "INSANE," a word like "notable" is actually quite refreshing. It’s a quiet word. It’s an intellectual word. It says, "I have evaluated this thing, and I have found it worthy of your time."
When you're writing for SEO or just trying to get a point across on LinkedIn, that kind of authority matters. People trust writers who can distinguish between what is merely loud and what is actually important.
Notable Examples in Literature and News
If you look at the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, you’ll see "notable" all over the place. Journalists love it because it’s objective. It avoids the bias of "good" or "bad."
"The company saw a notable drop in stock prices following the CEO's departure."
The journalist isn't saying the drop is bad (though it probably is for shareholders). They are saying it is an event that must be noted in the record. It is a fact of significance.
In literature, authors use it to ground their world-building. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald doesn't just describe things; he describes what is worth noticing. While he might not use the word "notable" on every page, the entire narrative structure is built on the concept—identifying the notable qualities of a person that lead to their downfall.
Practical Steps for Mastering the Word
Don't overthink it. Seriously.
✨ Don't miss: Navigating Your Wife At First Swinger Party: What Real Couples Actually Experience
If you’re worried about whether you’re using notable in a sentence correctly, try this simple "Replacement Test." Replace "notable" with "worthy of notice." Does the sentence still make sense? Does it still convey the same feeling?
- "He made a worthy of notice contribution to the project." (Works!)
- "That’s a worthy of notice bird on the fence." (A bit weird, unless it's a very rare bird.)
- "I feel worthy of notice today." (Grammatically okay, but you probably mean you feel "noticed.")
A Quick Checklist for Your Next Draft
- Check the stakes: Is the thing you're describing actually important? If it’s trivial, use "noticeable" or "visible."
- Watch the tone: Are you being too formal? If you're texting a friend, "notable" might sound a bit sarcastic. "That was a notable burp, Greg."
- Vary your vocabulary: If you’ve used "notable" three times in one paragraph, your reader is going to notice. Switch to "striking," "signal," or "prominent."
- Trust the word: Don't surround it with "very" or "really." Let it stand on its own two feet.
Language is a playground, but it’s one with rules. Using notable in a sentence is about finding that sweet spot between being descriptive and being judgmental. It’s a tool for the observant writer. Use it to point out the things that truly matter, the things that change the narrative, and the things that—literally—deserve to be noted.
Next time you write, look at your adjectives. If you find yourself using "big" or "important" for the fifth time, swap one out for "notable." You'll see the difference immediately. It adds a layer of sophistication that tells your reader you know exactly what you’re talking about.
Start by auditing your most recent email or report. Look for a spot where you're describing a result or a person. If they stood out for a specific, justifiable reason, that's your chance. Replace the generic "interesting" with "notable" and see how the sentence gains weight. This isn't just about grammar; it's about clarity of thought. A writer who uses "notable" correctly is a writer who understands the value of their own observations.