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 two other individuals who died were men, ages 30 and 55; their identities will be released once their next of kin has been notified. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Staff may only direct students planning a walkout to notify their campus principal. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026 Lincoln County measles case Wednesday, the Lincoln County Health Department was notified of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for the highly contagious disease. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026 While your absence might be less noticed, it is still considered rude to not show up without notifying the host. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notify
Verb
  • The experience informed his attitude toward the Oklahoma Insurance Department, with which Coppermark has had a long and litigious relationship.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Facts need to be robustly and responsibly established before they’re used to inform our decision-making process.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • MyPlate advised sticking to low-fat dairy, as seen in the low-fat yogurt and the glass of low-fat milk with dinner.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Be advised, though, that many of Carrizo Plain’s roads are dirt and become all but impassable in wet weather.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Notify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notify. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on notify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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