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 Another city preparing to receive Guard personnel is the state capital of Austin, where Mayor Kirk Watson said city officials were notified troops were on the way. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 The French government will first notify the European Commission, as several measures, including a total advertising ban on ultra-fast-fashion platforms, require approval at the EU level. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 11 June 2025 Castle claims that her family wasn’t promptly notified of Angelina’s disappearance, only learning about it informally through her daughter’s staff and media coverage. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 11 June 2025 The district notified the outside agency of Brackman’s arrest, and her assignment with the district was ended, the spokesperson told the newspaper. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Different experiences inform a more complete understanding of the problem and potential solutions.
    Karlo Tanjuakio, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • His mother informs Mel and his sister that their father will be out on day release but urges them not to share their address with him.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Areas in and around downtown Los Angeles could be temporarily off-limits to filmmakers as protests over recent immigration raids continue to unfold, a local film office advised creatives on Monday.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, smartphone users are advised to watch for signs that their own phones may have been compromised.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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