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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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
Washington State Patrol issued a statewide alert for the girls on May 31, and following a search, a Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputy found their father's white 2017 GMC Sierra truck near Rock Island Campground, about 40 miles northwest of Wenatchee. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
This can include guiding someone who is blind, assisting a veteran with PTSD, alerting someone to a blood sugar drop or protecting someone having a seizure. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 One particular way to harden your home involves purchasing smart home systems with features that alert you to major problems. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Residents who were not registered for the alert system or other methods never received evacuation messages. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Each night, the city turns into a large-scale stadium as an alert rings out that a special Battle Zone has opened. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • What actions are necessary during a red flag warning?
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • That is why Trump must take the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact not as a rejection, but as a warning shot.
    Firas Maksad, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Passport services could also be delayed, the organization warned.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Equity advocates warn that the expansion of microschools, especially those reliant on tuition or vouchers, could drain resources and diversity students from neighborhood public schools.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Williams and Hawkins will be manning a barista-style espresso station to keep players awake.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Mark Breckenridge, Huron Valley Ambulance spokesman, said the driver was awake and talking when the ambulance arrived at the scene, but not completely alert.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During the preview, a mischievous group of young diplodocus splash in the water around a pair of kayaking guests, while other juveniles like the triceratops are more cautious in nature, choosing to stick close to their parents.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The Dodgers are being cautious.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Millions grew up less intelligent, more violent, poorer, and more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
    Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But there were circumstances that could allow the highly intelligent Leland to have a better life.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bitcoin is up about 25% this year, rising as more Wall Street institutions embrace the cryptocurrency and global investors begin to view it as a reputable portfolio allocation and not just a quick trading vehicle.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Its silicone design sits comfortably on the face, while quick preset modes make treatments simple to fit into daily life.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The heaviest rainfall and wind impacts were forecast for coastal communities within the watch area.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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