alert 1 of 3

alert

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verb

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

alert

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adjective

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2
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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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective alert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alert are vigilant, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When can vigilant be used instead of alert?

The synonyms vigilant and alert are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

When might watchful be a better fit than alert?

In some situations, the words watchful and alert are roughly equivalent. However, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When could wide-awake be used to replace alert?

The words wide-awake and alert can be used in similar contexts, but wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

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 alert
Noun
The American Immigration Lawyers Assn. issued a practice alert this month warning about the termination notices. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
By alerting victims to a suspicious outgoing payment, which is purported to be a bank fraud security alert, the user is prompted to call a support telephone number as a matter of some urgency. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 And conversations with priests from other parishes have alerted him to concern about it becoming known as a space that is primarily for immigrants. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Traditional data pipeline management burdens IT professionals with reactive tasks and showers them with alert storms that interfere with their work. Serge Lucio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The National Park Service recommends keeping the following things in mind when exploring the backcountry: Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to signs. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Do not let the ransomware rampage swallow your data whole in the coming year; take heed of the warnings and act now to defend your enterprise.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Braves scored three more runs in the eighth for a 7-6 lead, on an Ozzie Albies RBI single and Michael Harris II’s two-run double to the center-field warning track.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This was what she was being warned against by the invocation of Anne’s and Nicole’s names.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • A day prior to the attack, the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and the US, alongside the EU, warned of South Sudan’s rapidly deteriorating security situation and demanded President Kiir release Vice President Machar from house arrest.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Bellflower adds a second adult in school counselor Bailey Gallagher (Molly Griggs), a character the audience can enjoy seeing slowly awake to the villain hiding in their midst.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While public support for cannabis legalization has grown, recent events indicate a more cautious approach.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • So for a couple of reasons, the Red Sox are playing it cautious with Anthony, even with the latest foot injury, undoubtedly to the frustration of most of their fan base.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Halsey launched her acting career at the age of 7, playing Madeline Zott, the hyper intelligent — and wise — daughter of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in Apple TV+ praised limited series Lessons In Chemistry.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • The range for its forecast for its intelligent cloud segment, $28.75 billion to $29.05 billion, fully clears analyst estimates of $28.5 billion.
    BYAndrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • After launching a quick break, Thuram played an intelligent backheel from the middle of the box into the path of Martinez, who finished with the outside of his boot, in what was a real contender for goal of the competition.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After delaying the launch, the company released the watch right at the peak of tariff drama.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Light play between the sapphire crystal and the lacquered dial gives the watches a more layered, cinematic feel in low light.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, fans will be vigilant to see if the name of the source ever comes out or is revealed at some point in the future.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Instead, the laws are being crafted to help the kids whose parents either aren’t presently vigilant about protecting their kids, don’t understand how to utilize the technology already in existence to protect their kids, or both.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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