as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
the night watchman, who was usually vigilant, apparently dozed off and didn't notice the vandals sneaking in
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Recent Examples of vigilant
Austin Energy General Manager Stuart Reilly told council members that while the forecast does not resemble the extreme winter storms that hit Texas in 2021 or 2023, the utility is remaining vigilant because of the likelihood of precipitation.
—
Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
That relief eventually came, thanks to a vigilant HUD administrator, weeks of calls and emails, and late nights spent reviewing HUD’s policies.
—Carrie Leach, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026
Parents should be vigilant to avoid accidents with your kids.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2026
Cybercriminals continue to evolve and strengthen their tactics to avoid takedowns, reinforcing the need to stay vigilant against threats and practice cyber hygiene.
—Chris Wright Special To The Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
That relief eventually came, thanks to a vigilant HUD administrator, weeks of calls and emails, and late nights spent reviewing HUD’s policies.
—Carrie Leach, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026
Parents should be vigilant to avoid accidents with your kids.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2026
Cybercriminals continue to evolve and strengthen their tactics to avoid takedowns, reinforcing the need to stay vigilant against threats and practice cyber hygiene.
—Chris Wright Special To The Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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While investors remain alert for any signs that the bubble is about to burst, most analysts continue to see meaningful adoption.—
Karl Freund,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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The child, who was alert and conscious, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, Sears said.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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So, does this feel any different, and will the luminosity keep you awake at night?—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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When cold nights keep you awake, a heated mattress pad can make all the difference.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This network, which has grown since the summer, keeps a watchful eye.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Jan. 2026
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Keep a watchful eye on the vehicle’s tires.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Drivers were advised to be careful in the snow, as there were problems on area roadways.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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Publicly, both leaders had maintained careful language about Syria’s transition, emphasizing concerns for minority rights, human rights standards, and the need for inclusive governance.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Scott was accused of slow-rolling that effort, though those aware of it said the pace was not in his control and was affected by the speed of the White House Office of Personnel Management.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Jan. 2026
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This approach helps the model link language understanding with tactile-aware motion.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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