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 company must first be notified of the violation and given 30 days to fix it before the attorney general can move forward. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 The city of Roswell, just north of Atlanta, was notified by the Fulton County Board of Health earlier this week that mosquito traps in two area parks had tested positive for West Nile Virus, the city announced. Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 An attorney for Centennial Bank filed a motion in the foreclosure case notifying the court that Steppach is dead. Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2026 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools families were notified of potential exposure to tuberculosis and whooping cough at two middle schools, officials confirmed Thursday. Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • This list is informed by The Athletic’s newsroom — including David Ornstein — and their reporting in the last days of the window.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Any business, town or development group needs this data informing their decisions.
    Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Weather officials also advise applying sunscreen every two hours and avoiding alcohol when hot out.
    Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • John Watson, the influential psychologist, advised parents not to hug or kiss their children.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 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 Sep. 2026.

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