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 One of Miller’s cornermen seemingly notified him of the situation just as the third round was about to begin, prompting the 318-pounder to stand, shrug to the crowd cartoonishly and peel the toupee off his head. Matt Moret, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 The Larimer County coroner will be responsible for identifying the driver after the family has been notified and an autopsy has been conducted, per the Denver Gazette. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026 Once the mistake was discovered and SSA notified Congress, several decisions had to be made. Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 If you were notified otherwise, check if the notification came via an official IRS letter. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Because in the end, the role of the CFO is to inform the decision.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Tobay Robles' lawyers informed the court on Friday that his client had not received a bond hearing and was still in immigration custody.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Venezuelans in need of consular support in the US typically had to travel to a third country, like Canada or Mexico, with another acceptable form of documentation to get it; that’s even what the International Organization for Migration advised.
    Maeva Bambuck, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Instead, the plant expert advises only repotting when roots circling the pot become visible and/or when growth slows.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

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