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
Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the shooting occurred after Remilien stopped a vehicle in connection to a license plate reader alert in the area of Versailles Road.
—Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Cavazos says this work — chasing leads or even, at times, following ICE agents — to alert the community can be hard, especially now that the Department of Homeland Security regularly accuses groups like Cavazos' of interfering with their jobs and endangering the lives of immigration officers.
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
But the quick succession of bad loans, and the poor stock market reaction, shows that investors are now alert to greater risk.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
The alerts have been issued amid strong onshore winds, which are known to create hazardous surf and powerful rip currents.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the shooting occurred after Remilien stopped a vehicle in connection to a license plate reader alert in the area of Versailles Road.
—Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, Owens’ children had alerted her to what had happened.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Cavazos says this work — chasing leads or even, at times, following ICE agents — to alert the community can be hard, especially now that the Department of Homeland Security regularly accuses groups like Cavazos' of interfering with their jobs and endangering the lives of immigration officers.
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Residents and travelers should remain alert for updates on shifting weather conditions.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
But the quick succession of bad loans, and the poor stock market reaction, shows that investors are now alert to greater risk.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
The hearing committee suggested to the guild executives that this should only be a warning.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Jamaica’s airports remain open for now, but will likely close within 24 hours of a hurricane warning being issued for the country, according to Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Economists warn the incoming administration faces immediate challenges, including securing fuel supplies and building coalitions in a fragmented legislature.—
Reuters 3 min ago,
CNN Money,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Feeling superior to these women, Alina warned me, was a fool’s comfort.—
Julia Ioffe,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Kat’s goal was to keep me awake but unstimulated, so that when lights-out finally came, I’d be primed for deep, solid sleep.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
That may seem early, but by that time, Ragan has already been awake for over three hours and accomplished more than most.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Many chief financial officers are investing in AI while still taking a measured approach—one that may seem overly cautious from the perspective of chief information and technology officers.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Snow showers throughout the week; travelers advised to remain cautious due to potential slick conditions.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Mark Simon is the VP of Strategy at Celigo, a leading intelligent automation platform, where he's helped thousands of ecommerce customers including major consumer brands in their digital integration and automation journeys.—
Mark Simon,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
These intelligent dogs are highly active and energetic, but respond well to obedience training.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Most of the song, the pre-chorus, chorus, all that stuff, that was really quick.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Or for the wide swaths of empty seats in the upper deck that formed after the New York Giants put the game in a vice grip with a three-score lead late in the third quarter and put the Broncos on shutout watch.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
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This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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