Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigilant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigilant are alert, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to vigilant?

The words alert and vigilant can be used in similar contexts, but alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When is watchful a more appropriate choice than vigilant?

The meanings of watchful and vigilant largely overlap; however, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When is it sensible to use wide-awake instead of vigilant?

Although the words wide-awake and vigilant have much in common, 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 vigilant Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 3 July 2025 Stay vigilant Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout. Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Fire personnel remain vigilant in monitoring the weather to adapt operational strategies accordingly. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025 Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The city's fire chief, Kevin Keddy, said the lifeguard was alert and conscious following the incident.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • She was jolted awake by blinking lights and a buzzing phone.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • On the floor below, another student was still awake.
    Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Monitor weather conditions via radar or lightning app. Keep a watchful eye on the sky.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Once back in Chicago and under the watchful, concerned eye of her mother Ronnie (Anji White), Riri gets recruited by Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), the leader of a local heist crew that targets the area’s multimillionaires.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • The president once again claimed without evidence that Biden wasn't aware of what was being signed.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

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