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
  • Besides its use in educational settings and by other researchers, the report also helps inform national security policy and has been cited by NATO in the past, one source said.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The queen is hysterical when Orwyle informs her that Sunfyre has razed the Mooton army outside Maidenpool.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Eaton advises checking local facilities for specific costs and remembering that those costs do not include in-vitro fertilization treatment if the patient later chooses to use the eggs.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • My whole life, my father had brightened at the sight of me, laughed at my jokes, and advised my brother, three years younger, to follow my example.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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