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
Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
Google is not the first tech giant to experience issues with news alerts.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Sergio Candido, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
If a customer uses a QR code to report a messy bathroom, the manager will be alerted.
—ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
Claudia Núñez, AZCentral.com, 22 Feb. 2026
This diabetic-alert dog who saved his owner's life after sensing a blood sugar drop from outside a school building.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
The same alert also makes a key distinction for spring break planning.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
Google is not the first tech giant to experience issues with news alerts.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
That same day, a CBP K-9 alerted officers to two additional suitcases checked under Ilhan's name for a different flight to Brazil.
—Sergio Candido, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
If a customer uses a QR code to report a messy bathroom, the manager will be alerted.
—ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Remain alert and aware of the surroundings at all times.
—Claudia Núñez, AZCentral.com, 22 Feb. 2026
This diabetic-alert dog who saved his owner's life after sensing a blood sugar drop from outside a school building.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
Local officials echoed state of emergency declarations and issued travel bans while the tens of millions of people under blizzard warnings hunkered down.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The State Department later, relaxed its warning for certain areas.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
A lot of this involves watchfulness—noticing what the preferring mind (that is, the editing mind) as put in place, and accepting it, and building upon it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Analysts and tech executives have warned that the memory shortage will persist well into next year.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Last month, Frederiksen warned that an American takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This can happen because of snoring that keeps others awake at night, or because of being sleepy from not getting enough oxygen to the brain, leading to poor quality sleep.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2026
-
What makes this particular show of loyalty all the more admirable, however, is these 43 men and women fighting to stay awake in the early hours support Sheffield Wednesday, a club who just four days earlier had suffered the earliest relegation in the history of English football.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The news was a bitter blow for Everton and Branthwaite, with the club’s medical team having taken a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
There are genuine reasons for cautious optimism.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to the German firm, the approach enables intelligent systems, including humanoid robots, to operate in live manufacturing environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
-
And then Roger Roger, the generative AI has become more intelligent.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Last year, the swimming portion was canceled because of large swells and the event made a quick pivot by offering a 5K run the night before.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The Warriors’ center did not travel with the team for its quick two-game road trip to New Orleans and Memphis.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And watches priced over $64,000 (CHF 50,000) are completely dominating the market, making up 89 percent of growth in 2025.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
-
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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