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
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Recent Examples of alert
Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 June 2026
For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
As the fire at a warehouse in Tracy continues to burn on Friday, officials are alerting residents to remain indoors and keep their windows closed as smoke could impact areas across the San Joaquin Valley.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
The apparent answer involves brain circuits involved in keeping someone awake and alert.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
The mountain lion was spotted on Monday in Redwood City's Roosevelt neighborhood, prompting police to issue an alert urging residents to stay away and to keep their pets indoors.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 June 2026
For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Verb
The brokerage said customers can alert Fidelity to their interest in purchasing a minimum of 1 share, up to a maximum of 1 million shares.
—Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
As the fire at a warehouse in Tracy continues to burn on Friday, officials are alerting residents to remain indoors and keep their windows closed as smoke could impact areas across the San Joaquin Valley.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Adjective
Hartford Hospital personnel contacted the Winsted Police Department on Tuesday and said Leon Stetson was conscious and alert and actively writing a confession on a piece of paper, according to the warrant affidavit.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
The apparent answer involves brain circuits involved in keeping someone awake and alert.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
The fire prompted an evacuation order for homes near the Pico Canyon Elementary School area, while evacuation warnings were issued for homes in the area of Sagecrest Circle and Chicory Court, according to authorities.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
-
Following a viral social media trend that encouraged children to microwave their NeeDoh toys, Schylling added several safety warnings to all its packaging.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
16 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
-
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
-
From outside the vehicle, a responding officer said that the 5-year-old boy was conscious and awake, but the 6-month-old girl was red, sweating profusely and appeared unresponsive.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
The apparent answer involves brain circuits involved in keeping someone awake and alert.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Katz was cautious about the European enthusiasm.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
-
Some analysts are even more cautious.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
In an age of intelligent machines, who gets to decide what is orthodox remains one of the most important questions a free society can ask.—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Evangeline is an incredibly intelligent, talented, and heart-centered badass with the perfect voice for the project.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
16 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 18 Jun. 2026.
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