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 Catalan club said they were notified about the report by the end of July. James McNicholas, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The names of the passengers and crew will be released after next of kin have been notified, the command said. Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The permit allows any use across Clark County and extends to the entire state of Nevada if Tesla notifies the commission of expansion plans in advance. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Robert Lee Turner was arrested after Instagram flagged his account and notified police. Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Clemson football posted a video on X in which Wilson, who walked on for the Tigers, informed his parents that he had just been awarded a scholarship.
    Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere said that the writers and producers of the series used her experiences to inform her character’s storylines.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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