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
Our people will remain vigilant against any such attempts.
—
Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
Avoid, deny, defend protocols have been lifted at this time while police continue to patrol campus, but please be vigilant.
—Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Anti-theft technology may have evolved over the years, but so have car thieves, so remain vigilant and prepared to prevent auto theft.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
Avoid, deny, defend protocols have been lifted at this time while police continue to patrol campus, but please be vigilant.
—Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Anti-theft technology may have evolved over the years, but so have car thieves, so remain vigilant and prepared to prevent auto theft.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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Crews are remaining alert to the likely possibility of finding additional starts in the next few days.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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As of Wednesday afternoon, the boy was conscious and alert and listed in stable condition, Gunn said.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Aaron Spencer was jolted awake by the frantic barks of his daughter’s chihuahua.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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These wines are lean, mineral-driven and bright enough to jolt even the most skeptical palate awake.—
Devin Parr,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The 17-year-old joins a steady stream of fighters on mats spattered with sweat, blood and occasional tears to spar under the watchful eye of Mansouri, a former professional MMA fighter who founded the space in 2020.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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The church that three days before was filled with excited students and watchful teachers at the start of a new school year is now a crime scene.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Two days after becoming aware of it, Christianson met with the police, who were pessimistic on whether the city would be able to get its money back.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Partnerships With Purpose & Impact Partnerships have been a loyalty staple for decades, but the newest wave is more context-aware.—
Jeff Fromm,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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