notify

Definition of notifynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb notify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of notify are acquaint, apprise, and inform. While all these words mean "to make one aware of something," notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action.

notified the witness when to appear

When can acquaint be used instead of notify?

Although the words acquaint and notify have much in common, acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with.

acquaint yourself with the keyboard

When might apprise be a better fit than notify?

In some situations, the words apprise and notify are roughly equivalent. However, apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance.

keep us apprised of the situation

When could inform be used to replace notify?

While in some cases nearly identical to notify, inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences.

informed us of the crisis

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 notify The service member's identity will be withheld until 24 hours after their family is notified. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026 The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release further details about the pedestrian including their name and age after their family has been notified. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026 In the meantime, interim letters to notify owners of the safety risks are set to be mailed out in the coming months. ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 The company must notify the city of every truck trip and will need an escort, according to the agreement with the city. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • From the haunting coastline of Namibia to off-road adventures in Iceland, let the 13 trips ahead inform your next adventure.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of publishing that letter, Guerra said the state Democratic Party should have gone straight to releasing the VOTER Index and framing it simply as an opportunity to inform voters about the state of the race for governor.
    Linh Tat, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why Melnick advises senior clients to pack a blanket.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The assessment led analysts at the CIA, the State Department and the Pentagon all to advise the White House against proceeding with the operation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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