1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
drove through the fog with extra alertness, as the road signs repeatedly warned of deer and moose crossings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
we observed the U.S. border patrol's intensified alertness for drug smugglers at the border stations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of alertness
Another idea is that the rhythm causes brief fluctuations in alertness, allowing sleeping animals to periodically check their surroundings and reduce the risk of being eaten.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
And wit is basically the alertness of the writer—being aware of where the reader might be, and then responding to that.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In the first study of its kind, neuroscientists have shown the real-world benefits that sunlight gives the brain, beyond laboratory experiments, linking brighter and more regular daytime light to better alertness and faster attention in everyday life.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
This suppresses the release of the sleep hormone melatonin and promotes alertness.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
With a newborn, that alertness makes sense.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
The combination of green tea and L-theanine creates a calm alertness that supports mental clarity while reducing jitteriness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Coffee delivers a faster, stronger energy boost, while green tea offers calmer, more sustained alertness.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Instead, the drugs appear to activate networks involved in alertness and the anticipation of pleasure, scientists report in the journal Cell.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
And wit is basically the alertness of the writer—being aware of where the reader might be, and then responding to that.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
In the first study of its kind, neuroscientists have shown the real-world benefits that sunlight gives the brain, beyond laboratory experiments, linking brighter and more regular daytime light to better alertness and faster attention in everyday life.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
This suppresses the release of the sleep hormone melatonin and promotes alertness.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
With a newborn, that alertness makes sense.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
The combination of green tea and L-theanine creates a calm alertness that supports mental clarity while reducing jitteriness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Coffee delivers a faster, stronger energy boost, while green tea offers calmer, more sustained alertness.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Instead, the drugs appear to activate networks involved in alertness and the anticipation of pleasure, scientists report in the journal Cell.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
-
Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There are many potential downsides to relying too much on AI personas; see my cautions at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Clear out any house vents and consider clearing your roof if possible (use extreme caution).—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Proving this will require experiments that directly test how the rhythm affects brain cleaning, vigilance, and survival.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Italy’s own history, including the consequences of fascist racial laws and deportations, has shaped a national commitment to remembrance, education and vigilance.—
Brian Siegal,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Through these consultations, individuals can speak directly with a care professional to better understand available support, resources, and next steps related to aging, care planning, and services.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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More than 28 million people across the Southeast are under winter storm watches and warnings, including parts of northern Georgia, the Carolinas and southern Virginia.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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Frankie Muniz isn't afraid to be everyone's comfort watch.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Action is delayed in the name of prudence.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management issued an alert late Monday evening saying that the mountain lion was spotted in the Pacific Heights neighborhood near the intersection of Octavia Street and Pacific Avenue, just north of Lafayette Park.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Because of the enhanced alert, the Office of Emergency Management has opened multiple warming centers throughout the city.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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