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

Ngatikaura reportedly sold his divorce to TMZ before informing his children. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Where the death of a politician or judge leaks to the tabloid before their constituents are informed about it? —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026

The photos will help inform scientists’ understanding of the moon and its origins — and lay the groundwork for future missions to the lunar surface. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

As organizations place greater emphasis on human‑centric capabilities, from analytical thinking to resilience and curiosity, transparency around how AI informs these decisions becomes foundational to trust and scale. —Nickle Lamoreaux, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026