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 Applicants will be notified of their application status via email by Wednesday, June 24. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026 Mayor Brandon Scott's administration notified the utility company of its decision Friday via a letter. Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 6 June 2026 The winner will be notified via email within five business days after the drawing. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 6 June 2026 Hyde died as a result of the collision, and her family was notified. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Over its run the series saw the sudden departure of several notable creative collaborators, including photographer Petra Collins, whose aesthetic informed the first season, and Labrinth, whose music channeled the show’s emotional throughlines for two seasons.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
  • This article is meant to inform the general reader and is not a substitute for medical advice from a physician or nutritional advice from a dietitian and/or nutritionist.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The islands of Paulau, Yap, and Micronesia were advised to listen to the latest information from officials, the weather service said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • The multilingual avatar can advise on what to do when your bank certificates of deposit are maturing, for example, or how to manage your children’s college fund.
    Meg Short, Fortune, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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