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 According to a source with knowledge of the matter, who, like all in this article, wishes to remain anonymous to protect relations, Earps informed Wiegman of her decision to retire in April, but the England boss asked her to reconsider. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Anane’s worldview and writing are deeply informed by growing up in the two wildest places on Earth: Papua New Guinea and Las Vegas. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 May 2025 He’s created multiple consumer guides that inform readers about reward redemption, travel maximizing, and consumer value opportunities. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Sources informed the outlet that there are no current plans for characters from the original series to appear on Wisteria Lane. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform
Verb
  • This is a poor day to talk to parents, bosses, authority figures and the police about anything important.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
  • At one point, Chris Rock’s character, Rufus, is talking to Bethany about the difference between having a belief and having an idea.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Burt Reynolds told Business Insider in 2016 that, like Pacino, he was offered and turned down the part.
    Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 7 June 2025
  • The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Duties include analyzing client requests, advising on strategy and managing a team of professionals.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • First, start with shattering functional silos, the researchers advise.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • But the next stage involves AIs which can perform specific actions, whether booking airline tickets or designing software, when instructed.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
  • An immigration attorney told ABC7 that individuals received a text instructing them to appear for a routine case review in the South Loop, only to be detained shortly after.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inform. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inform

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