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 Pittsburgh police were notified and the FBI joined the investigation. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Many beaches use an app to notify bathers when there are multiple stings at a location. ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Both the Los Angeles County Development Authority and the City of Los Angeles have notified the court of their ability to take on those functions, either individually or jointly. Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 In an interview with The State Journal-Register, Foulke said league ownership notified him of his firing half an hour before the Hunters’ Saturday game against the New York Heights. Matt Moret, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Clemson football posted a video on X in which Wilson, who walked on for the Tigers, informed his parents that he had just been awarded a scholarship.
    Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere said that the writers and producers of the series used her experiences to inform her character’s storylines.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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