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 The assessment will inform a potential request by Gov. Tony Evers for a presidential disaster declaration, which would unlock federal aid. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025 How does the neuroscience education inform your acting? Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025 During the conversation: • Lead with curiosity informed by intelligence, not information dumps. B.d. Dalton, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The population count also informs how the government allocates federal funding for programs and public services including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Solcyré Burga, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform
Verb
  • Throughout a second year of OTAs, minicamp and training camp, Daniels has done even more of that with his receivers and tight ends, talking to second-year tight end Ben Sinnott about a blitz pickup or to the veteran Samuel about the timing on his deep ball.
    Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • It was just meant to be a playback, just talking intimately.
    Noah Reardon, Billboard, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But actress Helen Mirren recently told Saga Magazine that taking that route would produce an entirely different film.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The shots came from a gray Dodge Charger just before 7 a.m. Sheriff’s officials said a caller told dispatchers they were fired upon after yelling at the Dodge’s driver for throwing trash onto the roadway.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Experts recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine now, but advise waiting until later September or early October for the flu vaccine.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 23 Aug. 2025
  • One program called Student Support Services (SSS) provides tutoring, advising and other assistance to at-risk college students.
    Michael Vasquez, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the experts noted, the executive order only instructs the Department of Labor to review existing regulations and guidance around alternative investments.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • For Nautilus and Mach-E vehicle owners, Ford will mail owner notification letters instructing them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the part replaced.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inform. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inform

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