1
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
the white flash of the doe's raised tail, giving the "danger" alert to her fawns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
the doctor told the patient to be on the alert for any signs of infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
she needed to stay alert throughout the train ride so as not to miss her stop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
warned us to be alert to the presence of pickpockets on the crowded bus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
an alert force of commandos, ready to go on a mission at a moment's notice
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 alert
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
After the alert went out that a suspect in a double homicide was in the area, an officer spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
—Robb Murray, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025
Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Shockley and Maycock alerted the ship’s crew but alleged the staff did not take steps to remediate the issue in and around their cabin, according to the complaint.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Lawmakers need to be alert and protect not only creative property but also every person’s right to their image and identity.
—Gerard Scimeca, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
After the alert went out that a suspect in a double homicide was in the area, an officer spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
—Robb Murray, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
They had been alerted that Running Fence was planning to enter the ocean despite having no permit.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Shockley and Maycock alerted the ship’s crew but alleged the staff did not take steps to remediate the issue in and around their cabin, according to the complaint.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The content can keep you alert and scrolling.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Lawmakers need to be alert and protect not only creative property but also every person’s right to their image and identity.
—Gerard Scimeca, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
The impact of the storm was worsened by clogged waterways in an already flood-prone area, and an apparent lack of understanding of early warnings, Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator for the Philippines Office of Civil Defense told local media.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Israel opened and closed Gaza’s borders with Egypt arbitrarily and without warning.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The United States and France first warned more than a decade ago that Russian satellites appeared to be spying and collecting information on their assets, including on commercially run satellites.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
All the firefighters were awake and alert, Esposito said.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
-
That night, after the talent show and dinner and homework, Emily lay awake in bed, unable to sleep.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Crypto assets did rise modestly alongside other risk assets following signs of progress in Washington, but the broader tone remains cautious.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The aquatic mammals, Hadsel says, are so intelligent and have such strong sensory organs that they can be taught to recover human remains.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
11 Nov. 2025
-
In the summer of '38, only the very intelligent people knew what was coming.—
Liz McNeil,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Green was quick to point out that every team that has won a championship featured a strong defense.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Sotheby’s estimated nearly a third of its watch sales in 2023 went to buyers age 30 and under, giving them priceless social currency.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share