INFORM Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'inform' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inform are acquaint , apprise , and notify . While all these words mean "to make one aware of something," inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences. // informed us of the crisis

Q: When could 'acquaint' be used to replace 'inform'?

The meanings of acquaint and inform largely overlap; however, acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with. // acquaint yourself with the keyboard

Q: When can 'apprise' be used instead of 'inform'?

The words apprise and inform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance. // keep us apprised of the situation

Q: Where would 'notify' be a reasonable alternative to 'inform'?

In some situations, the words notify and inform are roughly equivalent. However, notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action. // notified the witness when to appear

inform

verb

in-ˈfȯrm

Definition of inform next

as in to talk

to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities the police only caught the mastermind of the burglary because his disgruntled partner informed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to tell

to give information to chose teaching as a career because it affords the opportunity to inform a whole generation of young minds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inform differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inform are acquaint, apprise, and notify. While all these words mean "to make one aware of something," inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences.

informed us of the crisis

When could acquaint be used to replace inform?

The meanings of acquaint and inform largely overlap; however, acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with.

acquaint yourself with the keyboard

When can apprise be used instead of inform?

The words apprise and inform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance.

keep us apprised of the situation

Where would notify be a reasonable alternative to inform?

In some situations, the words notify and inform are roughly equivalent. However, notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action.

notified the witness when to appear

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 inform It was founded by the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1926 and is recognizable by its whimsical decor informed by its home country (namely the red leather banquettes and 24-karat gold ceiling). —

Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025 The State Department informed Congress of its plan to sell over $7 billion in weapons to Israel, which includes thousands of bombs and missiles. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 Just before the webinar, Gingrich said, the CDC informed him that because of an HHS order, the agency was unable to publish the report last week or communicate its findings. —

Amy Maxmen, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025 Bryant's surviving family members were informed of his identification. —

Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform

Verb

Some local speaker will talk on the beauties of Hutchinson as a place to live, a place to trade and a place to visit.

— Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Hanna, who has by this point joined the search efforts, talks to a woman who once dated Amanda’s current boyfriend, Viktor Malm, who had previously been sentenced and given a warning for assault as a teenager.

— Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025