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

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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 sheriff’s office urged the public to be on high alert for the missing inmates, who are considered armed and dangerous. Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
Officers with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were alerted to 52 items up for sale totalling $20,000 Australian dollars, or about $12,850 U.S. dollars, according to a May 6 news release from the office of Ariana Doolan, a member of Parliament from Pumicestone. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025 For me, being a man controlled by God, things that are blasphemous always alert me. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 May 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
  • Along with this stark warning, the history of these reports shows how activists have found ways to raise awareness about human rights around the world.
    Time, Time, 21 May 2025
  • The timing of the announcement suggests that Modi seeks to overshadow the end of the fighting with a display of strength and a deterrent warning.
    Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Showrunner Jess Brownell, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the U.K. premiere for Part 2 last year in June, had warned fans to expect a wait of up to two years.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Key Takeaways Walmart warns tariffs will raise prices, triggering inflation concerns Markets seek tariff clarity; volatility trends suggest cautious optimism Retail earnings next week may reveal shifting consumer spending habits On Thursday, stocks closed mixed with the S&P 500 up 0.4%.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Thiele said that DJs should be used to being awake late, which Snow agreed with.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Be aware that closing the drawer while your bedmate is sleeping will absolutely jolt them awake.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Younger teammates were cautious to approach him, mindful of his intense dedication to his process and wary of disrupting it.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 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
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick succession by North Korea.
    Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The top 25 buyers spent more than $111 million and were granted a private VIP reception with Trump, while the top four also received a limited edition Trump Tourbillon watch that sells for $100,000.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • All his Thunder teammates were seated on stage in new Rolex watches.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 22 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 29 May. 2025.

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