notches

Grooves marking tallies

Notches are V-shaped cuts or indentations, typically made in an edge or surface.

A notch on a belt marks where it buckles; notches on a bedpost supposedly tally sexual conquests.

A notch can be a level or degree: Let's take it down a notch.

Mountain passes are sometimes called notches.

To notch something is to cut into it or to achieve it: She notched another victory.

indentation

groove

Narrow cut or routine

  • slotNarrow slit for insertion
  • nickShallow surface cut
  • cutSeverance or reduction

incision · serration · indent · cleft · score · gash · slit · mark · recess · depression

tally

count

Reckon a total

  • scoreNumerical standing in competition
  • recordPreserved account or achievement
  • markVisible impression or sign

tick · total · points · achievement · win · kill · victory · conquest · belt · tracking

measurement

calibration

Adjusting for measurement accuracy

  • gaugeStandard of measurement
  • scaleMeasure of relative size
  • graduationCompleting academic requirements formally

increment · marking · level · indicator · dial · degree · gradation · ruler · precision · interval

terrain

pass

Move beyond or decline

  • gapUnfilled space between
  • mountainTall natural landmass
  • valleyLow ground between heights

col · saddle · ridge · canyon · gorge · ravine · defile · cleft · hollow · trail

Categories
Opposites
surface topology

notchesbumps

Small raised areas

protrusions · ridges · projections · knobs · tabs

type of opening/void

notchesholes

Openings through material

perforations · apertures · punctures · slots · gaps

ACHIEVEMENT/RANKING (figurative)

notchesdemerits

Penalties for misconduct

demotions · downgrades · setbacks · black marks · drops

Phrases
Family

notch, top-notch, notched, notching, notcher

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G