Another Word for Tell: 21 Synonyms with Examples
To tell is to give information to someone, to order them, or to recognise a difference. Alternatives depend on which meaning you want.
As a verb: inform
- inform
- let know
- notify
- advise
- brief
- update
As a verb: narrate
- relate
- recount
- narrate
- describe
- report
As a verb: order
- instruct
- order
- direct
- command
- ask
As a verb: distinguish
- distinguish
- differentiate
- recognise
- identify
- work out
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- inform
- Formal; gives facts or news.
- notify
- Formal; tells someone officially.
- brief
- Gives someone the information they need before a task.
- recount
- Tells a story of what happened.
- instruct
- Tells someone what to do, often formally.
- distinguish
- Recognises the difference between things.
Example sentences
- inform: Please inform reception if you need a parking permit.
- notify: Customers will be notified by email when the order ships.
- brief: The manager briefed the team before the client arrived.
- recount: My grandmother recounted her first day at the factory.
- instruct: Staff were instructed to keep the fire doors closed.
- distinguish: I can't distinguish the twins when they're dressed alike.
Opposite of tell
- conceal
- withhold
- keep secret
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “tell”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: state, say, recite, enjoin
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “tell”?
The most useful alternatives are “inform”, “let know”, “notify”, “advise”, “brief”. For the main sense (inform), “inform” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “inform” and “notify”?
inform: Formal; gives facts or news. notify: Formal; tells someone officially.
What is the opposite of “tell”?
Common antonyms are “conceal”, “withhold”, “keep secret”.