inform

verb

in-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce inform (audio)
Definition of informnext
1
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

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2
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 The company also informed members about 2026 premium changes through phone calls, text messages, regular mail, or email, Baiocchi said. — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026 Henderson wrote that Williams’ family informed his firm of her passing on July 1, roughly six months after her encounter with Evanston police. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Emergency responders arrived on the scene and were informed that the victim had been pulled by the current flowing through Sebonac Creek into the Great Peconic Bay, the statement said. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 6 July 2026 Join 350,000+ subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform
  1. talk
  2. tell
  3. advise
  4. instruct
Verb
  • Before assuming the new borrowing limits apply to you, talk with your financial aid office.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Above, her mother’s brother, Abdullahi Mohamed, cradled a cup of tea in his hands and talked to her parents about their Central Avenue community, the news of the day and the global events that dominated the early 2000s.
    — Julia Coin Updated July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Enterprises are advised to carefully evaluate these solutions based on ownership, cost, and enforcement, as the industry seeks to standardize this critical layer for AI agent deployment.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of advise
Verb
  • People are instructed to scan the QR link on the letter that will lead them to a list of available appointments to reschedule their test.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The agency has instructed contractors that families at the facility cannot be referred to as prisoners, detainees or inmates, records show.
    — JACK BROOK, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of instruct

Browse Nearby Words

in force
inform
inform (against)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inform. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inform

Nglish: Translation of inform for Spanish Speakers

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