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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inform Bacon then informed the officers that he had been shot in the leg. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025 Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe—to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 2 May 2025 Such views can then inform people’s treatment of those groups and their willingness to offer help. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 This deep technical foundation informs his leadership, but his business focus is on evolving the way software innovation is delivered through the lens of outcomes instead of inputs. John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform
Verb
  • Hamas talked to the United States and Egyptian and Qatari mediators to arrange the release of Alexander, and Israel has sent a team to Doha to begin a new round of talks.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Juana Summers talks with Renard about what he's seen in Gaza, and what's next for the people there.
    NPR, NPR, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo told reporters she was caught off guard by the news, and has asked the prosecutor's office to ask the U.S. Department of Justice for more information.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • When any Democratic politician, including Gov. JB Pritzker, dares to stand up to extreme Republican rhetoric with any language beyond polite pablum and pious platitudes, pundits tell Democrats to lower the volume, cut the contempt and be nice.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The best physicians could advise was a near-starvation diet that reduced Thompson to only 65 pounds.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 3 May 2025
  • Just be sure to wear boots that are made for walking; ideally, with boot socks rather than thinner athletic or casual socks, Grossman advises.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s evidently false in the cases involving the Alien Enemies Act—last month, the Supreme Court instructed that challenges to Trump’s actions had to be brought as habeas cases.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • His work far from finished, Jim is immediately instructed to reach into Royce’s open chest cavity and aid in the surgery.
    Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inform. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inform

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