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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alert
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Despite sunshine in the prediction, an air quality alert and a chance for showers and thunderstorms are also in the forecast.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Accordingly, OpenAI mitigated the prompt-injection technique ShadowLeak fell to—but only after Radware privately alerted the LLM maker to it.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Industry players were alert and expectant, even as costs at home remain high.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
Nerima has also installed an emergency alert system – which is what Morioka uses in his home.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Despite sunshine in the prediction, an air quality alert and a chance for showers and thunderstorms are also in the forecast.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
This is a direct consequence of no-go theorems like no-cloning, no-deleting, no-hiding and uncertainty—any attempt to eavesdrop alters the quantum signal, alerting the sender and receiver.
—Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Accordingly, OpenAI mitigated the prompt-injection technique ShadowLeak fell to—but only after Radware privately alerted the LLM maker to it.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
An alert air traffic controller in the New York control center reached out to the Spirit flight, telling it to execute an immediate right turn to avoid any possibility of colliding with Air Force One.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Industry players were alert and expectant, even as costs at home remain high.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
Some counties are adding sirens that don’t depend on fragile cell networks to emit warnings, for one.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In 2025, announced on September 12, the FDA is once again expanding their warning list to include Jiva organic ground cinnamon, which also contains high levels of the heavy metal.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By the time red flags like fatigue, jaundice, swelling or easy bruising appear, the damage may already be done, the doctor warned.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Expect changes, Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may change, and workers, vehicles, or equipment may enter without warning.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Camera flashes burst against the walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, framing Blade Runner–esque vistas of the flickering skyline, a winking reminder that New York City is always wide awake.—
Alex Catarinella,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
However, some expressed concern over the fact that OP is sleeping while his baby daughter is still awake.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fewer workers moving between jobs could lead to wage growth flattening and companies becoming more cautious.—
Charlotte Morabito,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
-
But the post was met with cautious optimism in Kyiv, Oleksandr Merezhko -- a member of the Ukrainian parliament representing Zelenskyy's party and chair of the body's foreign affairs committee -- told ABC News.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This intelligent two-way interaction changed the web forever.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The plot follows the story of Ainara, an intelligent 17-year-old who is trying to decide what to study at university.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, a quick review of the central bank’s dot plot underscores just how divided the Fed Governors are on the question of whether to cut interest rates (and by how much) over the next 12 months.—
Paul Weinstein Jr,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Changing your own wipers is quick and easy.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The watch itself is an obvious Easter egg, as Hera is queen of all 12 Greek gods and goddesses, while The Life of a Showgirl is her 12th studio album.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share