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 Conservation questions surely informed certain placements (glass vitrines, elevated platforms). — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Still, all the traumas that informed the album pale in comparison to losing Snider in November 2025. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 Beyond his physical transformation, Harris studied Gorbachev and leaned on the script to inform his performance. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 When the reality star was just three months along, she and Barker were informed that their baby no longer had a heartbeat during a doctor’s appointment. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inform
  1. talk
  2. tell
  3. advise
  4. instruct
Verb
  • The coalition has been canvassing the state, visiting churches, grocery stores and neighborhoods to talk to residents about the issue and gathering 3,500 signatures to present to lawmakers in hopes of inspiring legislative change.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The hearing, in Manhattan federal court, comes as his lawyers have been talking with federal prosecutors about a possible resolution to one of two criminal cases against Mangione in Thompson’s death.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • The study of a patient’s urine was an extremely popular practice in the Middle Ages, even though doctors could tell precious little about what was ailing someone just by looking at a sample in a jar.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of advise
Verb
  • Patients are urged to take every dose as instructed and to complete the full treatment course to kill the bacteria and prevent the emergence of new, drug-resistant bacteria.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Here was a candidate who got shot—as Roosevelt was, in 1912, by a man who’d been instructed to do so in a dream by the vengeful ghost of William McKinley—and kept on campaigning.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inform

Nglish: Translation of inform for Spanish Speakers

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