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

3 of 3

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 situation prompted emergency alerts across a wide swath of Oklahoma, including portions of Norman, Shawnee, Ada, and Purcell. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 The alert is for Wise, Denton, Montague, Cooke, Grayson and Jack counties. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025 Imagine a nursing home where radar quietly watches over residents, alerting caregivers immediately if someone has breathing trouble, falls or needs help. Aly Fathy, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
According to Boisvert, the man was conscious and alert on the scene and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025 While alive and alert, the duo weren’t quite out of harm’s way yet—their nest was slowly sinking into the water with them in tow. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The warning was issued Thursday at 9:51 p.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Thursday at 9:58 p.m. Interstate 49 Current Incidents: There are currently no traffic incidents reported in this area.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • Footage labeled as ‘incidental’ — which is how the FWC says its two officers labeled their footage — includes FWC officers issuing warnings or non-criminal infraction citations, the policy says.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration is warning Massachusetts communities to stay clear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or else.
    Oscar Margain, NBC news, 16 May 2025
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even miles away in the capital of Srinagar, many residents stayed awake throughout the night, listening to fighter jets fly over Kashmir’s skies and scrolling social media feeds for any updates about the strikes and cross-border shelling.
    Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 7 May 2025
  • Since your body burns energy to stay awake, a lack of sleep can stress your brain over time.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Creators should leverage strengths, choosing formats requiring minimal upkeep for quick returns.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • While the Classic looks a little more built-up, and has what may be a larger, physical rotating bezel, both watches have what’s known in some circles as a squircle design.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Under her watch, the company distributed such festival firepower as The Boy and the Heron and Memoir of a Snail.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Reese, the police lieutenant, urged pedestrians to remain vigilant.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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