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 Many also said they weren't properly notified about the data center plans and learned about them through social media posts. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 22 Sep. 2026 The Shedd Aquarium notified the NOAA of Osiris’ death Monday, according to John Chu, a spokesperson for NOAA Fisheries. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026 The passenger’s family and companions were notified, the announcement said, and local authorities were going to continue the search. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 The teens’ parents were notified shortly after the incident, and the students were given the option to go to classes or stay home for the day. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After washing, Adriano advises laying brushes flat or upside down to dry, with the bristles pointing downward.
    — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Residents were advised to prepare to leave, gather important belongings and make arrangements for pets in case the warning was upgraded to an evacuation order.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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