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 Families of the three victims were notified, but authorities didn't release names to protect privacy. CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 Crew were first notified that some of the toilets were out of order an hour and 45 minutes into the flight. Karina Tsui, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 Deputies arrived at the temple around 9:13 a.m. and soon notified Chino Hills Code Enforcement, whose officers are tasked with maintaining the appearance and safety of property in the city. Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025 The release of homicide victims’ names is delayed by two weeks to allow time for the victims’ families to be notified of a death by Chicago police. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notify

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

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