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 resident who lives there told KSBW his security camera system sent multiple alerts to his phone, the outlet reported. Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 As Robinhood has expanded its sports prediction markets, adding Indy 500 and French Open event swaps to its arsenal this month, the U.S. gambling industry establishment has remained on alert. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
On May 23, a few days before Mooney is accused of taking his political opponent’s sign, the other candidate for town supervisor alerted state police, reporting his sign was stolen from his friend’s lawn, according to authorities. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 One lone firefighter spotted an outpouring of smoke from a building in the Financial District on Wednesday, alerting the department and leading to a quick evacuation of the occupants. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025
Adjective
Authorities said that some fugitives may have left the city or the state of Louisiana, and the public have been urged to stay alert, not be alarmed and report any tips. Michael Dorgan , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 The sheriff's office has released an image of the kayak model Valencia used and is encouraging boaters and lake visitors to remain alert. Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The orders were later reduced to warnings, and the last of the warnings was lifted about 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Landsbergis’ own Plan B starts with his home region, the Baltic countries, which have been among the most stalwart in warning the world about Russian aggression and providing aid for Ukraine.
    Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around President John F. Kennedy, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mississippi Pork Chops Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 4 1-inch boneless pork loin chops 1/2 tsp.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
  • Aggressive verbal or physical outbursts, wandering, sleeping during the day and being awake all night are some examples.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Here are some tips to choose high-quality olive oil: Be cautious with olive oils that bear significantly lower prices.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • No matter how small your business, here is a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats: Start with the basics.
    Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The two limited-edition watches include the men’s Rainbow Mosaic, a clear multi-function watch with a rainbow face, and the Rainbow Logo, a women’s clear analog watch with a rainbow double G logo.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025
  • Harmon highlights Angel Studios’ innovative payment system for filmmakers, which is based on watch time for a film or show per month on the Angel Studios platform as a percentage of the entire watch time for all the content available.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Residents are advised to remain vigilant for health and fire risks during the peak heat advisory period and to follow all safety recommendations from public health and weather agencies.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Recent attempts to use a domestic tragedy as an excuse to restrict homeschooling in the state remind us to be vigilant.
    Peter Wolfgang, National Review, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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