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 Lemke pleaded guilty in April to two charges, failure to notify or delay notification of a death and destruction of evidence, as part of a plea deal. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 Moore called federal prosecutors and immigration officials into his courtroom to find out why ICE failed to notify judges about moving detainees with pending habeas petitions out of the district over the past year without the court’s approval. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 On June 25, Netflix notified Haido that the drive had been stolen. Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Shortly before midnight, a hospital social worker notified the family that boy had been found breathing when a medical examiner's office transporter arrived to collect his body, according to the reports. Jose R. Gonzalez, USA Today, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Protesters derailed a rezoning meeting on Crown Center, cutting short a hearing intended to inform residents about redevelopment plans to accommodate a new downtown Royals stadium.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • My editor at Vulture has informed me that this is the name of the mysterious archer who iced Criston from across that field.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Baez advises adjusting sleep schedules two to three days before the flight and focusing on syncing their circadian rhythm with the new time zone by keeping screens dim.
    Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Make Your Experience Relevant Mid-career professionals are sometimes advised to remove dates from their résumés, shorten their work histories or avoid appearing overqualified.
    Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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