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
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
That alert states that the town is closing off public access to the roads around SpaceX's Starbase test site (which is near a public beach), from May 19 through the end of May 21, which suggests a potential back up launch day of at least May 21 is available.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Theresa Clift
may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
The umpires alert all players as Royals bench coach Paul Hoover places a phone call.
—Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
Night shift work forces the body to be alert during hours it’s biologically built to sleep, creating chronic disruption to the circadian rhythm, a roughly 24-hour internal clock regulated primarily by light.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
The alert is for Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davidson and Randolph counties.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
That alert states that the town is closing off public access to the roads around SpaceX's Starbase test site (which is near a public beach), from May 19 through the end of May 21, which suggests a potential back up launch day of at least May 21 is available.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
The forms are intended to alert the public to potential conflicts of interest.
—Theresa Clift
may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
The umpires alert all players as Royals bench coach Paul Hoover places a phone call.
—Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Adjective
Rubin tested out its alert system for the first time on February 24, 2026.
—Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
Night shift work forces the body to be alert during hours it’s biologically built to sleep, creating chronic disruption to the circadian rhythm, a roughly 24-hour internal clock regulated primarily by light.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued in the area.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
The warning was active for Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County, White Mountains of Inyo County, Death Valley, Owens Valley South and Owens Valley North.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 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
-
Legislation in Washington proposes offsetting any lost Highway Trust Fund revenue with general funds, but critics warn that could raise the federal deficit — and potentially jeopardize the long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
But legislative budget experts warned last year of a potential AI bubble that could worsen the state's finances.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
At six in the morning, long before most people are awake, city crews often arrive at homeless encampments with trash bags, police escorts, and a strict deadline.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
Sleepless elephant nights As tensions continue to rise, farmer Gaamini Disanaayake, who lives near the village of Bambaragahawatte in central Sri Lanka, says fear of elephants is keeping him awake at night.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
In a groove Phil Maton is cautious to ever declare that his delivery has fully come together.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
Beneath the measured pace of transactions — collectors more cautious, galleries recalibrating, auction houses tempering expectations — the intellectual and aesthetic stakes of contemporary art feel newly urgent.—
Andrew S. Jacobson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
In a world where intelligent systems can respond to events faster than any human team, reactive leadership loses its edge.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
The device incorporates controllable blades, on-board batteries and intelligent control systems, aimed at optimizing its operation in real conditions of operation on the high seas.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Airy and breathable, these temperature-regulating pants feature an elastic waistband that’s quick and easy to pull on, and comfortable enough to wear for hours on busy travel days.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
-
Sharpen the service with a quick in-room tutorial on lights, a/c, curtains, and handy bedside tablet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
The batteries are commonly found in products including phones, watches, e-cigarettes, hoverboards and appliances.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
Come football season, this chowder is an easy thing to serve at a watch party.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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