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 Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vehicles, replacing parts and updating software for free. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 The Carpentersville Village Board recently approved a resolution to notify QuadCom of its decision, which requires 12 months’ notice per the contract. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 Much like Google or other flight trackers, the Expedia app can notify customers when the price of an airfare drops, Fish said. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026 According to a Facebook post from the Llano County Sheriff's Department, Angela Palmares, 27, was arrested after the Llano Independent School District notified authorities Tuesday of an alleged relationship between her and a student. Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, said Kyiv had informed Israeli authorities about the vessels in advance.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Luckily, the hunters brought the deer to a butcher who then informed EnCon police.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Altman is a booster for San Francisco, advising its mayor and expanding OpenAI’s offices here, while Musk shuns the city and now lives in Texas.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Homes in the vicinity have been evacuated and members of the public are advised to avoid the area, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster