1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
drove through the fog with extra alertness, as the road signs repeatedly warned of deer and moose crossings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
we observed the U.S. border patrol's intensified alertness for drug smugglers at the border stations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 alertness
An article previously shared by Newsweek explains that cats' sleeping postures can communicate comfort, alertness, or even stress.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Depending on your tolerance, this could be too much—or just the right amount—to help increase alertness.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 10 Sep. 2025
The current level is at Defcon 3, which means there is an increase in alertness and military readiness - aka as yellow alert.
—Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
At the end, Tengbjerg counted down, the audience cheered, and the judges groggily returned to alertness.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom can be a stimulant when used in low doses, increasing alertness and physical energy.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Drinking coffee before an important task, such as a work project or athletic activity, can help to increase energy and alertness and improve performance.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Authorities have stepped up their cautionary tone in the past year in the hope of raising citizens’ alertness levels.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Higher levels of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC – a fat molecule involved in building cell membranes and hormone signaling – were linked to less sleepiness, possibly by maintaining brain alertness.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Depending on your tolerance, this could be too much—or just the right amount—to help increase alertness.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 10 Sep. 2025
The current level is at Defcon 3, which means there is an increase in alertness and military readiness - aka as yellow alert.
—Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
At the end, Tengbjerg counted down, the audience cheered, and the judges groggily returned to alertness.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom can be a stimulant when used in low doses, increasing alertness and physical energy.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Drinking coffee before an important task, such as a work project or athletic activity, can help to increase energy and alertness and improve performance.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Authorities have stepped up their cautionary tone in the past year in the hope of raising citizens’ alertness levels.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Higher levels of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC – a fat molecule involved in building cell membranes and hormone signaling – were linked to less sleepiness, possibly by maintaining brain alertness.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Local authorities, under increasing national pressure to take action against Tren de Aragua, redoubled their displays of vigilance.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This number varies by age and location, but in the instance that private child care providers can receive $10,000 through the ESA program, that means the majority of tuition could be covered for families considering this option.—
Lina Ruiz
September 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Available in 9 different colors, the hanging organizer has four different zippered compartments roomy enough to hold full-size hair care products, brushes, combs, and more.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The show, now in its sixth year, has become an important date on the calendar for watch lovers and the trade alike, and stands as the most inclusive show based on new introductions from the 66 participating brands.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But those with long memories are tempering enthusiasm with prudence, remembering how the dot-com bubble led to unsustainable valuations and a painful crash.—
Tiz Gambacorta,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
This was a chance for Biden to take the high road, to toe the fiscal line and display financial prudence.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The alert last for around three hours.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Sep. 2025
-
What was once the season of patios and long days has increasingly turned into one of heat advisories, wildfire smoke, and smog alerts.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Thirty-three states have enacted legislation regarding school cellphone usage amid a growing push to restrict students’ smartphone access in schools, primarily due to mental health and concerns about academic attentiveness.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
This helps replicate the attentiveness of an in-store associate at scale.—
Charisma Glassman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share