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.
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Recent Examples of alert
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
More than 40 million people across the Great Plains and the Midwest are on alert Tuesday for severe weather, including what authorities warn could be life-threatening flash flooding in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
Beneath an old wood ceiling is a fireplace and, just beyond, a replica of the lantern that guided Paul Revere when alerting the revolutionary militia that the British were arriving.
—Jayson Buford, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Police asked local collectors, hobby shops, card dealers and community members to be alert for anyone attempting to sell rare or high-value trading cards under suspicious circumstances and asked the public to contact investigators with any relevant information.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
According to TripWaffle, the system is designed to flag potential weak spots and send timely alerts that may give travelers additional time to respond.
—Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
More than 40 million people across the Great Plains and the Midwest are on alert Tuesday for severe weather, including what authorities warn could be life-threatening flash flooding in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Verb
Richard Quinones, who lives near Main Street and Buena Vista Avenue in Lemon Grove, first alerted the Sheriff’s Office to a woman in a ditch behind his home the morning of July 29.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
Beneath an old wood ceiling is a fireplace and, just beyond, a replica of the lantern that guided Paul Revere when alerting the revolutionary militia that the British were arriving.
—Jayson Buford, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Adjective
Essentially, our brain is still receiving signals to stay alert when our minds should begin to relax and prepare for sleep.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Police asked local collectors, hobby shops, card dealers and community members to be alert for anyone attempting to sell rare or high-value trading cards under suspicious circumstances and asked the public to contact investigators with any relevant information.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
The warning was for Davidson County.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2026
-
Iran issued several warnings about its influence over oil trade.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
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In nine short, potent chapters, Beckerman lays out the essential traits of an effective dissident — loyalty, recklessness and watchfulness, among them — to illustrate how communities of resistance are built from the ground up.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also warned in a statement that the strikes were exacerbating tensions in the region.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
In testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Sheila Clark, President and CEO of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association, warned that the damage goes far beyond the theft of tax dollars.—
Wes Kilgore,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
After Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, had gone to bed, Kellen and Levine were still awake, Kellen said.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
The right one should be able to identify what is actually keeping you awake.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
-
Ciara is very cautious and played it slow in opening her heart up to West.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Future EVs may function as intelligent assistants, constantly analyzing conditions and offering guidance in the background.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
The Brazilian stands at 183cm (6ft) and is very intelligent at using his body to maximise any attempt to win the ball.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
After a quick review, it was determined that the clock hit zero before the puck crossed the goal line, restoring a 3-1 lead for Carolina heading into intermission.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Tolle recorded two quick outs before a single by Williamson, hit-by-pitch to Fortes, and an RBI single by second baseman Richie Palacios.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Intense downpours, hail and thunderstorms continued Thursday, with the weather service issuing tornado watches or warnings for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
That angered the Knicks, who decided not to go forward with plans to hold an outdoor watch party outside the arena.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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