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 When the various samples were submitted into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, investigators learned that the remains found in 2009 were a match with Smith and notified his family, authorities said. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Call a health care provider immediately, and do not go into a health care facility without notifying them first. Ema Sasic, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified and may be implementing services, according to the affidavit. Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The statement said that office would work with authorities to identify the remains as quickly as possible and notify their families. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • According to Shai Eisenman, founder and chief executive officer of Bubble, the pairings were informed by long-standing consumer requests.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Schulz responded that the agency only needed to inform Congress about the reorganization.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Her doctor advised her to stop clinical hyperpigmentation treatments for her dark spots and uneven skin tone as some ingredients could be unsafe to use while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The vessel and crew were safe and authorities are investigating, UKMTO said, advising ships to transit with caution.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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