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
Frozen pizzas sold at Trader Joe's were flagged in a recent public health alert from the USDA. Amber Brenza, Health, 5 Sep. 2025 Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Witt talked with the Royals’ training staff to alert them of the injury. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Lenker, in plaid, rubs her eyes; James Krivchenia leans forward, sparky and alert; Meek, outdoors in the Topanga sunshine, wears cycling glasses and a frowzy hat. Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025 Stay alert and turn weather notifications on. AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The swells will continue to build and increase along east-facing shorelines through the middle of the week, the hurricane center warned.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Janet, Shannon and Heather were in the kitchen, and Janet was pinning the collar onto Heather's confirmation robe when a ceiling light, which was affixed to the ceiling with two chains and several eye hooks into a beam, crashed down onto the kitchen table without warning.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aaron Spencer was jolted awake by the frantic barks of his daughter’s chihuahua.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • These wines are lean, mineral-driven and bright enough to jolt even the most skeptical palate awake.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, with the growth of social media and consumer advocacy, retailers are being more cautious about communications to prevent backfiring, not only from investors and analysts but from their core customer base.
    Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • And then finally, layoffs…If prices rise, consumers grow more cautious.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, these agents represent an intelligent, adaptive defense system comparable to the collaboration of a human security operations center, but with the speed and scale of machines.
    Perry Carpenter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • And his evocation of the specific political environment of pre-war Algeria is an intelligent contemporary expansion on the novel.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here is a quick tour through recent vision tech, with examples of prescription eyeglasses tailored to specific uses.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Fessceruna 3-Piece Loungewear Set Fessceruna’s three-piece loungewear set is perfect for cozying up at home on the couch, running quick errands, and enduring long travel days.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The show, now in its sixth year, has become an important date on the calendar for watch lovers and the trade alike, and stands as the most inclusive show based on new introductions from the 66 participating brands.
    Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Patients should be sure to report symptoms to their clinicians, and clinicians need to be vigilant and consider Legionnaires’ disease as a possibility.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders must stay vigilant against economic volatility and global health crises.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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