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.
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Recent Examples of alert
Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026
Those compounds include 4-ACO-DET, 4-HO-DET, and 4-HO-MET, according to a Tuesday alert from the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Even though just three can alert to an emergency, many more are needed to understand what is behind those emergencies.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
As a precaution, the weather service urged people to remain alert for a possible tornado.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
Even those in central Florida are under cold weather alerts.
—Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026
Those compounds include 4-ACO-DET, 4-HO-DET, and 4-HO-MET, according to a Tuesday alert from the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
The teen checked the door, saw a man and alerted the 44-year-old man, who was sleeping in the apartment.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Even though just three can alert to an emergency, many more are needed to understand what is behind those emergencies.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The police department warned the community to be alert to phone scams that may appear or sound convincing, and said residents, as a general rule, should not provide financial or personal information over the phone, especially during unsolicited calls.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
As a precaution, the weather service urged people to remain alert for a possible tornado.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
The warning is for Merced - Madera - Mendota, Planada - Le Grand - Snelling, Fresno area, Delano-Wasco-Shafter, Hanford - Corcoran - Lemoore, Visalia - Porterville - Reedley and Southeast San Joaquin Valley.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The Times revealed last January that west Altadena never received evacuation warnings, and orders to evacuate came hours after flames and smoke threatened the community.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The tech giant previously warned that the ban would cut off teens from friends and community.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
-
All that rainy weather over the holiday season appears to have turbo-charged a deadly outbreak of mushroom poisonings across the California coast, state health officials warned Wednesday.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The animals were observed sleeping in a dark-light environment and awake during the day.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
-
She was jolted awake to see her kids’ father coming at her, pointing a knife at her chest, prosecutors said.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But trading volumes remain low, with investors remaining cautious about the impact of lower oil prices, government spending cuts, and the outlook for corporate earnings.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
But once the horrible pol is gone, stronger but more cautious candidates emerge.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Hence the nature of our fear, the seamless way in which the AI can produce a quick copy, if not literature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Bathroom counters are quick to collect stains from makeup, skincare, and toothpaste.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There is a fire weather watch posted for Friday with humidity levels as low as 13%.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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