What Is Another Way to Say “Side Note”?

Looking for synonyms for side note? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say side note.

  • Footnote
  • Parenthetical remark
  • Marginal note
  • Annotation
  • Commentary
  • Digression
  • Aside
  • Addendum
  • Postscript
  • Commentary note
  • Incidental remark
  • Supplementary detail
  • Observational note
  • Periphery comment
  • Subscript

Want to learn how to say side note professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Footnote

Appropriate Use: A note at the bottom of a page of a book or document, explaining or commenting on a part of the main text.
Example: “Refer to the footnote for a detailed explanation of the methodology used in the study.”

2. Parenthetical remark

Appropriate Use: A comment that is added to a sentence, often as an explanation or afterthought.
Example: “The company’s profit, which increased by 15% (a record high), was announced in the meeting.”

3. Marginal note

Appropriate Use: A note written in the margins of a page as a comment or explanation.
Example: “The editor made several marginal notes on the manuscript for clarification.”

4. Annotation

Appropriate Use: A critical or explanatory note added to a text.
Example: “The report included annotations to support the data presented.”

5. Commentary

Appropriate Use: Observations or explanations about an event or situation.
Example: “The financial analyst provided a commentary on the market trends within the document.”

6. Digression

Appropriate Use: A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example: “There was a brief digression in the presentation to address a related issue.”

7. Aside

Appropriate Use: A remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters. Also used in non-theatrical contexts.
Example: “He added an aside during his speech to highlight a personal experience.”

8. Addendum

Appropriate Use: An item of additional material added at the end of a book or other publication.
Example: “An addendum was added to the report to include the latest research findings.”

9. Postscript

Appropriate Use: An additional remark at the end of a letter, after the signature.
Example: “In the postscript of her email, she mentioned the upcoming industry conference.”

10. Commentary note

Appropriate Use: A note that provides explanation or interpretation of the main content.
Example: “A commentary note was included to elaborate on the historical context of the event.”

11. Incidental remark

Appropriate Use: A comment made in passing that is not central to the main discussion.
Example: “During the meeting, he made an incidental remark about the importance of cybersecurity.”

12. Supplementary detail

Appropriate Use: Additional information that complements or adds to the primary content.
Example: “Supplementary details about the project timeline were provided in the appendix.”

13. Observational note

Appropriate Use: A remark based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed.
Example: “The researcher included observational notes in the study to provide context.”

14. Periphery comment

Appropriate Use: A comment that is not central to the main discussion but adds additional information.
Example: “He made a periphery comment on the evolving consumer preferences during the product review.”

15. Subscript

Appropriate Use: A sign, letter, or symbol written or printed below the line.
Example: “Chemical formulas in the report were clarified with subscripts where necessary.”

Linda Brown