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 Central Bank’s correspondence shows that supervisors formally notified Ueno of lending problems in June. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026 When a case is identified, public health officials must investigate the infection, identify and notify people who may have been exposed, coordinate with hospitals and schools, and sometimes organize vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026 The boyfriend was not identified in the release as OPD is still attempting to notify his next of kin. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026 Their parents were notified to pick them up, a teacher told CNN. — Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • The statutory maximum is life in prison, Lett informed Désir, should he be found guilty.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Several years later, he was informed that his brain contained a moderate accumulation of amyloid plaques.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Residents were also advised to install window screens and chimney caps, secure exterior doors and avoid leaving unscreened windows open, particularly while sleeping.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Someone in contact with Walter, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to comment, advised me to wait and see if a Formula One deal actually materializes and, if so, for what value.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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