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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2
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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
The shipping industry was placed on high alert on Sunday with warnings that Tehran could retaliate against commercial vessels following US airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 June 2025 Now, forces now remaining on high alert, ready to respond to any attacks, which the chairman of the Joint Chiefs have said would be a very poor decision. ABC News, 22 June 2025
Verb
After alerting authorities just before 3 p.m. that day, the remaining hikers were airlifted from the canyon. Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025 She is alerted, and gamely steps in front of the curtain. Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
Adjective
Stay alert, though: while some manufacturers market their cookware as dishwasher-safe, Janssen still advises against loading any of them into your appliance. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025 While coffee might seem like the obvious choice, newscasters sip all sorts of unexpected beverages to stay alert and refreshed. Kyler Alvord, People.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • While major plot developments have been withheld to preserve the viewing experience, the network has requested spoiler warnings on all reviews.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 26 June 2025
  • Many of the latest driver-assist safety systems like forward automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning abound in this segment to protect one’s most-precious cargo.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously warned that bombing active enrichment sites, particularly Fordow, could pose environmental and health risks.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 22 June 2025
  • The war between Israel and Iran began its ninth day Saturday as the two countries continued to trade missile attacks, and Iran's foreign minister warned against the U.S. getting actively involved.
    Kate Bartlett, NPR, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • How a Cup of Lemonade Led to a Meltdown On Reddit, a mom recounted a recent incident that quickly escalated: While attending a party, the mom in question hoped to keep her 19 month old child awake in order to maintain her regular nap and sleep schedule.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 24 June 2025
  • Korean-Style Steak Sauce Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 oz.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.
    Bill Fischer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Your tongue may be quick to lash out under the Leo moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • In early February, Olivier Giroud, the French striker who plays for Los Angeles FC, had his home targeted and $500,000 worth of jewelry and watches stolen, sources said.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Jeannie was already glancing with impatience at her watch.
    Helen Schulman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bitcoin’s Future Depends on the Integrity of Its Movement If Bitcoin serves as a tool for liberation, its developers, advocates, and holders face an ongoing responsibility to remain vigilant.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The shark vanished after the attack, and swimmers in the area are advised to remain vigilant.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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