Synonyms of inform

inform

verb

in-ˈfȯrm 

1

as in to talk

to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities

the police only caught the mastermind of the burglary because his disgruntled partner informed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• talk
• tell (on)
• betray
• grass (on)
• snitch
• sing
• squeak
• fink
• split (on)
• rat (on)
• squeal
• drop a dime (on)
• sell (out)
• turn in
• give away
• tattle
• tip (off)
• blab
• two-time
• cross
• double-cross
• backstab

2

as in to tell

to give information to

chose teaching as a career because it affords the opportunity to inform a whole generation of young minds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tell
• advise
• instruct
• educate
• apprise
• teach
• enlighten
• acquaint
• notify
• brief
• familiarize
• clue (in)
• alert
• hip
• wise (up)
• fill in
• clear
• catch up
• convince
• verse
• assure
• let someone know
• advertise
• reassure
• keep (someone) posted
• disclose (to)
• announce (to)
• certify
• lecture
• warrant
• school
• disabuse
• disillusion
• tutor
• undeceive
• disenchant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mislead
• misinform

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inform are acquaint, apprise, and notify. While all these words mean "to make one aware of something," inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences.

informed us of the crisis

When could acquaint be used to replace inform?

The meanings of acquaint and inform largely overlap; however, acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with.

acquaint yourself with the keyboard

When can apprise be used instead of inform?

The words apprise and inform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance.

keep us apprised of the situation

Where would notify be a reasonable alternative to inform?

In some situations, the words notify and inform are roughly equivalent. However, notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action.

notified the witness when to appear

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inform

The parties in the case informed a New York judge of the preliminary agreement on Thursday, according to a Monday federal court filing. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

Morris’s lead lawyer, Bill Mateja of Sheppard, informed Judge Tobolowsky that the parties had reached an agreement in a hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes. —Alexa Shrake, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026

School officials emailed parents on Wednesday to inform them of the student's death and offer mental health services to support students and staff. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is conducting outreach to inform unhoused residents of the extreme heat and providing them with information about safety, cooling center location, where to find water bottles and other supplies. —City News Service, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026