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

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 That work feeds federal and state threat assessments, informs social media platforms on how to identify extremist users and content, shapes prevention programs and supplies the evidentiary basis for prosecutions and congressional oversight. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The coronagraph’s innovations will inform the design of future instruments that could expand the reach of direct imaging to include rocky planets in the habitable zones of their stars. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help inform investors in their search for attractive stocks from the vast universe of dividend-paying companies. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 The first big surprise cut of the day has come down, as running back Jaydon Blue has been informed that he’s being released, according to ESPN. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform

Verb

Fleming by body camera footage, approached Parker, who was talking on his cellphone.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Maybe a family watches a favorite performer together, while nearby strangers start talking because someone forgot sunscreen and their friend packed enough for six people.

— Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of talk

Verb

The referendum campaign has fueled debate about Iceland’s place in the world, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told reporters after casting her ballot in the capital on Saturday.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Indrika Ratwatte, the acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the Security Council that the Kenscoff attack forced more than 2,600 people to flee their homes, many for the second or third time.

— Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

The next month, senior bank leaders and vice chairs were instructed by human resources not to enter positive feedback about Nallasivan’s performance in the evaluation system, according to the lawsuit.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Trump made the name change in an executive order signed on Thursday, which instructed the Secretary of the Interior to implement the change within the next 30 days.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of instruct

Cite this Entry

Style

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inform. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of inform

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