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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2
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
Human oversight remains part of the workflow through integration with Robotic Security Operations Center, where remote analysts monitor activity, verify alerts, and direct responses when required, ensuring continuous supervision alongside autonomous functions, reports Electrek. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Have multiple ways to receive warnings Fort Worth’s outdoor warning system should be used as a supplemental warning tool, along with two or three other ways to received alerts, according to the city. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Then in March, Nordstrom’s internal investigation team alerted police to a broader pattern of fraudulent transactions. Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 The two detectives were working an overtime detail when a witness alerted them about what was happening. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
Rosen said it could be used to bolster alert systems, letting scientists alert governments to the need for evacuations in cases of volcano eruptions, for example. Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Policymakers will also be alert to any upcoming action from Britain's Labour government to limit the inflation impact on households and businesses. ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Nevada lacks a key seismic safety tool that California, Oregon and Washington all have — the earthquake early warning system run by the USGS, which sends alerts to smartphones or computers before the shaking starts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Noonan plays Michael in the film with a quiet watchfulness that contrasts Jackie’s nervy, open wound of a woman played with emotive genius by Karen Sillas.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Andrillon warned against trying to harness the sleeping mind in the service of the waking world.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Asian economies prove resilient in wake of war Asian economies are proving resilient in the face of the energy shock sparked by the Iran war, though analysts warn of higher and persistent inflation.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Electrodes measuring body and brain activity verified that the participants were not awake.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Waking up and staying awake is the hardest part of the day for many, but this alarm clock can make the whole process much smoother.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Be cautious of any company that pushes a specific program without understanding your circumstances.
    Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Cold, calculating and highly intelligent, Dedra saw the rebellion coming when none of her other peers did.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • Here, intelligent driving features are ubiquitous, even in affordable models.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The reactive Moon opposes Mars, creating tension between quick reactions and thoughtful dialogue.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But, a host of hotels are just a quick zip from Malé.
    Shradha Shahani, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The last month has seen extensive rain, tornado watches, then warnings and flooding as the Des Plaines and Fox rivers were filled beyond capacity, Kumar said.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • From weeknight dinners to Saturday afternoon football watch parties, these slow-cooker brisket sandwiches that only require 10 minutes of hands-on time are the tastiest solution.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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