alert 1 of 3

Definition of alertnext

alert

2 of 3

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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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

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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
Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 Farther north in Germany, where five people died in swimming accidents related to the heat wave, authorities have also issued highest level alerts for parts of their countries. Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Verb
Leveraging insights from medical records and health plan data, athenahealth was able to alert the national insurer and medical practice about potential gaps in care. Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Regular scans will allow people to monitor their entire body for changes, which has the potential to alert individuals to early signs of chronic illness and disease. New Atlas, 26 June 2026
Adjective
Authorities and officials continue to urge visitors to check beach hazard warnings, remain alert to changing ocean conditions and avoid turning their backs on the water, particularly during periods of elevated surf and strong currents. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 18 June 2026 The National Weather Service warned readers to remain alert, as tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. John Tufts, IndyStar, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Topical hormone treatments like vaginal estrogen, from which the FDA recently removed a warning label, are becoming commonplace.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • This will be elevated to an extreme heat warning by Monday or Tuesday, and cooling centers will be opened.
    Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Seeking respite from the sizzling weather, people and companies across Europe are snapping up portable and fixed air conditioners as some countries warn the heat wave could intensify.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • This technique is designed to break the mental association between your bed and the frustration of being awake.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Fire officials later said the lifeguard remained awake throughout the ordeal and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Berkeley adopted a more cautious approach.
    Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026
  • The data also points to a more cautious approach to automation than much of the AI industry’s messaging might suggest.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alan was successful, intelligent, social and well-liked.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
  • Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions.
    David Biller, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Either way, Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Cream Mist is an easy way to give quick hydration to dry, stressed skin, thanks to an ultrafine spray packed with ceramides.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • From California politics to safety concerns on Sacramento roads, here’s a quick digest of some of the top stories for June 23, 2026.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The women, who also wore Mexico jerseys, were planning to attend the watch party.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • The devices were hidden in a pack of cigarettes, the informant’s watch, and a cellphone.
    Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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