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 $10 million increase — the deficit had been estimated at $39 million — comes as Jeffco Public Schools notified 50 employees last month that their jobs will be eliminated at the end of the school year as part of the district’s efforts to trim $45 million in spending. Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026 The recommendations would require towing companies to make more effort to notify owners that their cars have been towed and streamline the process by which the firms can sell unclaimed vehicles. Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 7 Jan. 2026 As part of its vote, the Select Board also moved to review the policy annually and task Chief Flynn with notifying the board of any changes to the ICE policy that are made. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and MSP were notified about the fatal accident. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • On the whole, higher limits offer better protection, so recognizing the differences in coverage between minimum requirements and real-life needs can inform better decision-making in this regard.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In a Facebook post, the CAIC advised skiers to be aware of areas with the highest avalanche danger.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Last January, Navajo leaders advised citizens to carry their Certificate of Indian Blood or tribal identification card.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

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