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 Coast Guard said it was notified of the overdue vessel Sunday night but was unable to begin searching until the next morning because of weather and poor visibility. Steven Romo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026 California law allows members to opt out of sharing their name, property address, mailing address and email address through the membership list by notifying the association in writing. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The crisis alert system Centegix will provide wearable panic buttons to staff members that can notify administrators, call emergency services or put the campus on lockdown. Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026 Under the new law, crematories will be required to notify my office and the local coroner if remains have not been cremated within 30 days of delivery. Susana Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • The pilots did not inform air traffic controllers of any problems with the plane prior to landing, air traffic control audio indicated.
    Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Smart travelers stay informed by reading the fine print and understanding travel requirements for their destination.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this summer, a panel that advises the Food and Drug Administration recommended the government reclassify half a dozen of these peptides.
    Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The airport advises travelers to check with their airline for schedule changes.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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