alert 1 of 3

alert

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verb

as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk alerted us to the possibility that the roads would be flooded and we might have to take a detour

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alert

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adjective

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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind an alert and well-trained sheep dog who can handle difficult situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective alert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alert are vigilant, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When can vigilant be used instead of alert?

The synonyms vigilant and alert are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

When might watchful be a better fit than alert?

In some situations, the words watchful and alert are roughly equivalent. However, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When could wide-awake be used to replace alert?

The words wide-awake and alert can be used in similar contexts, but wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

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 alert
Noun
That’s why staying alert, keeping your software up to date and following good security habits can go a long way in protecting your device. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025 Banish open burning: Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Verb
Davidson County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Jon Adams said officers found William Davenport, 31, unconscious at the Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Development Center for men after inmates alerted officers at about 5:50 p.m. on July 2. Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025 Cerqueira alerted a local priest, who in turn contacted Amaral. Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Adjective
The injured lifeguard was alert and conscious throughout the ordeal. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025 Always stay alert: keep bags front-facing, avoid pocketing valuables, and limit phone use in public. Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Beijing’s trade war with Washington has dominated attention, and Chinese officials previously downplayed the myriad long-term risks to growth, making the latest warnings notable.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
  • In South Korea, an early end to monsoon season led to heat wave warnings issued across most of the country this week.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The report warned that the influx of more affordable Chinese goods would create greater challenges for local businesses in the region and impact their economies.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 14 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service discussion on Monday morning warned that extreme heat conditions would continue in the region as a high-pressure center lingers.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • She was jolted awake by blinking lights and a buzzing phone.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • This realization is especially haunting given that Dylan Mortensen, one of the surviving roommates who was awake at the time of the murders, saw someone in a black mask walk through the house.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Teams tend to be especially cautious with injuries this time of year.
    Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • With such long-term uncertainty, customers are rightly cautious about parting with their money.
    Jo Causon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.
    Cierra Cowan July 11, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The swarm — hundreds of small earthquakes hitting the same area in quick succession — started around 1:30 a.m.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
  • Chicago police and City Hall officials were quick to note that the shooting was targeted and the victims didn’t live in the neighborhood.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Walmart The Lily 2 is Garmin’s lovely little lady watch.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 9 July 2025
  • Remove any watches, rings or jewelry that could constrict swelling.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • This same accident-prone influence might apply to your pet, so be vigilant.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Maine State Police are warning the community to stay vigilant but have not divulged the cause of death or any details about the crime scene, leaving Stewart’s family with questions and nearby residents with fears that a killer may be among them.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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