1
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
the white flash of the doe's raised tail, giving the "danger" alert to her fawns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
the doctor told the patient to be on the alert for any signs of infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
she needed to stay alert throughout the train ride so as not to miss her stop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
warned us to be alert to the presence of pickpockets on the crowded bus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
4
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
an alert force of commandos, ready to go on a mission at a moment's notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of alert
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Banish open burning: Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025
Cerqueira alerted a local priest, who in turn contacted Amaral.
—Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Always stay alert: keep bags front-facing, avoid pocketing valuables, and limit phone use in public.
—Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
That’s why staying alert, keeping your software up to date and following good security habits can go a long way in protecting your device.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Banish open burning: Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Verb
Davidson County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Jon Adams said officers found William Davenport, 31, unconscious at the Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Development Center for men after inmates alerted officers at about 5:50 p.m. on July 2.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025
Cerqueira alerted a local priest, who in turn contacted Amaral.
—Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Adjective
The injured lifeguard was alert and conscious throughout the ordeal.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Always stay alert: keep bags front-facing, avoid pocketing valuables, and limit phone use in public.
—Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
In South Korea, an early end to monsoon season led to heat wave warnings issued across most of the country this week.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
The warning is in effect until 3 a.m. Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Meteorologists warn the storm marks the beginning of a dangerous weather pattern along the Eastern Seaboard.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
-
Collins and Tillis have warned that the Medicaid and other cuts could leave large numbers of people in their state losing their health care coverage.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
She was jolted awake by blinking lights and a buzzing phone.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
4 July 2025
-
This realization is especially haunting given that Dylan Mortensen, one of the surviving roommates who was awake at the time of the murders, saw someone in a black mask walk through the house.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Teams tend to be especially cautious with injuries this time of year.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
They are known to be cautious and spend most of their time on high rocky slopes mostly inaccessible to humans, making sightings rare.—
Lauren Liebhaber
July 8,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers.—
Lara Devgan,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Killer whales, also known as orcas, are incredibly intelligent apex predators.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Real quick The best city in the entire U.S. is not on either of the coasts.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
-
Chicago police and City Hall officials were quick to note that the shooting was targeted and the victims didn’t live in the neighborhood.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Walmart The Lily 2 is Garmin’s lovely little lady watch.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
-
Remove any watches, rings or jewelry that could constrict swelling.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
-
Authorities were urging residents in the vicinity to stay vigilant and exercise caution as the situation develops.—
Stepheny Price , Bradford Betz , Landon Mion , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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