Definition of alertnext
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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 Essentially, our brain is still receiving signals to stay alert when our minds should begin to relax and prepare for sleep. Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Police asked local collectors, hobby shops, card dealers and community members to be alert for anyone attempting to sell rare or high-value trading cards under suspicious circumstances and asked the public to contact investigators with any relevant information. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 Transparency mechanisms such as feature attribution logging and traceable alert rationales are becoming standard components in pharmacy AI platforms. Ethan Stone june 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026 No single tool catches every scam, but staying alert and using strong monitoring can give you a much better shot at spotting trouble early. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Adjective
  • After Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, had gone to bed, Kellen and Levine were still awake, Kellen said.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The right one should be able to identify what is actually keeping you awake.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Americans are also increasingly cautious about where sensitive information like health data and financial records rest.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
  • The current government led by Donald Tusk has been more cautious, speaking only about a bigger role in nuclear deterrence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Future EVs may function as intelligent assistants, constantly analyzing conditions and offering guidance in the background.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • The Brazilian stands at 183cm (6ft) and is very intelligent at using his body to maximise any attempt to win the ball.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • The area The property sits in the Anambas archipelago, an 80-minute flight from Batam, an Indonesian island that’s a quick boat ride from Singapore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • In Campbell’s experience, the learning curve for padel is quicker than pickleball.
    Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your well-being.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
  • So be vigilant and don’t be surprised by anything.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Beijing is widely seen to be wary of that program, which has traditionally heightened American focus on the region and risks instability that could impact China, which shares a border with North Korea.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • Separately, some remain wary of the consequences of redundancies across certain functions.
    Meg Short, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Many professionals spend years trying to sound smarter, calmer, more agreeable, or more polished while gradually losing trust in their natural instincts and communication style.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • GreenLife brings smart design and colorful style to your everyday cooking with this Compact Stainless Steel Saucepan Set.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The immediate illness known as Teflon flu is usually short-term, but PFAS exposure is part of a larger health debate.
    Ryan Brennan June 2, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
  • Pelley could not be reached for immediate comment.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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