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 Members of the regents board were notified of Maduko’s resignation only after some of them learned of it from a story on my website, Daily Ructions, last Saturday. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026 All flights were cancelled, and the airline notified customers that customer service would not be available. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026 Once submitted, you’ll be notified when your registration is approved — or if more information is needed. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026 According to a preliminary police report, a Fayetteville officer was notified by staff at the Yeehawg bar of possible use of a fake ID. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, said Kyiv had informed Israeli authorities about the vessels in advance.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Luckily, the hunters brought the deer to a butcher who then informed EnCon police.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Duffy also advised passengers to consider credit card chargebacks, travel insurance claims or bankruptcy filings for additional recovery options.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
  • My satiric letter advised parents to teach their children to settle disputes with hockey sticks, like their favorite hockey players.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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