notify

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 crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Spencer were notified on Friday of an overloaded vessel with 191 migrant onboard being disabled in international waters. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 However, Desai is aware of a situation in which a sponsor was not notified and only able to decline after pushing back. Valerie Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Yolo County coroner’s officials will identify the victim once the next of kin have been notified. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025 OpenAI has announced a series of measures to protect vulnerable users, including ChatGPT parental controls that notify parents when their child is distressed. Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • But maybe you guys should've informed your employees to inform your guests in person or made an announcement in person before posting it on social media.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Wu hasn’t worked with his source material in a literal way; rather, Rauschenberg’s collages have informed his approach to the collection, which is built around classic American style.
    Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Skinner advises travelers to try their best to remain calm and engage with the person as little as possible.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Velasco advised a student with a talent for poetry to apply for the Oskar Knoblauch Holocaust Impact Video Contest using one of his poems.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

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