ALERTNESS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

alertness

noun

Definition of alertness

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 alertness During the campaign, candidates are in a state of constant alertness. — Max Taves, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 As evening arrives, the body releases melatonin to signal rest while cortisol, the alertness hormone, drops. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 The replacement of old, negative patterns of thinking with pure thoughts from God, Love, requires alertness. — Linda Berckmann, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026 The lack of sleep and lack of rest wears down firefighters physically and mentally; the mental alertness, the mental sharpness is not always there, and also the burnout. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Instead of forcing a universal schedule, employees should strategically match demanding tasks to their personal periods of highest alertness. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 This meant moving outside of the traditional tableau of White House photojournalism—an orator on a pedestal—to show members of the press in postures of alertness or repose. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 The goal is to anchor the body’s rhythms, sharpen daytime alertness and improve sleep timing. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026 Also, never swim after drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other substances that can impact alertness. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness

Noun

This carefulness is clearly strategic.

— Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
There was no carefulness in it.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Definition of carefulness

Noun

For now, the consensus among Wall Street’s economists is less alarm than watchfulness.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.

— Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

Definition of watchfulness

Noun

For now, video officials will be limited to categorical errors, such as a second caution given to a player for handball when replays prove the ball hit them in the face.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Take caution when walking around here; the rocks can be slippery and waves have swept people out to sea.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of caution

Noun

Nurses form the essential backbone of post-neurosurgery ICU care, providing continuous vigilance and skilled bedside assessment after complex spine and cranial procedures.

— Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Officials across the islands are opening shelters, canceling events and urging vigilance as Lala’s impacts spread toward Maui, Oahu and Kauai, a region still scarred by recent floods.

— Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigilance

Noun

Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
The Korean skin-care brand shot to fame with its Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, a chunky pink stick that became nearly as recognizable for its K-drama cameos as for its skin-care benefits.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of care

Noun

There is no additional preseason game check added because one player takes 50 snaps while a starter watches from the sideline.

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The watch is for Northern Craven, Southern Craven and Inland Onslow as well as Pitt, Greene, Beaufort, Duplin, Lenoir, Jones and Pamlico counties.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of watch

Noun

Already, thousands of users have downloaded the iPhone app, with some eagerly submitting feedback that has helped improve key functionality, including the ability to detect AI glasses and receive alerts when the app is closed.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
There was one element of the patient’s history that had kept the doctors on high alert.

— Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of alert

Browse Nearby Words

alerting

alertness

alerts

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of alertness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on alertness

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

prowess

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes