There are many synonyms for the phrase "taking note", all of which convey the idea of paying attention and recording information. Some possible alternatives include "jotting down", "making a record of", "noting", "scribbling", "writing down", "recording", "documenting", "registering", and "memorizing". Each of these words has its own nuances and shades of meaning, but all of them share the common thread of indicating an act of paying attention in order to retain important information. Whether you are in a meeting, a lecture, or simply trying to remember something important, these synonyms can help you effectively capture and recall the details that matter.