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 Additionally, parents of minors enrolled in Florida public colleges or universities must be notified when their child directly uses an AI tool. Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 The spending was reported after city workers noticed unusual transactions involving public funds and immediately notified management and the city’s legal team. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026 The company must notify the NRC when the excavation is open for inspection. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026 The Placer County Coroner’s Office will release the man’s name after notifying family members. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After washing, Adriano advises laying brushes flat or upside down to dry, with the bristles pointing downward.
    Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Residents were advised to prepare to leave, gather important belongings and make arrangements for pets in case the warning was upgraded to an evacuation order.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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