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

3 of 3

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 suspect was pulled over after the state trooper's license plate reader showed an alert. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025 The alert is for Catawba, Lincoln and Gaston counties. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Verb
In Kerrville, where local officials have come under scrutiny over whether residents were adequately warned about the rising water in the early morning hours of July 4, authorities went door-to-door after midnight early Sunday to alert people that flooding was again possible. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 The Secret Service received a warning about a possible attempt on President Donald Trump’s life 10 days before he was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, but failed to alert the local law enforcement agencies tasked with securing the event, according to a government report released on Saturday. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Adjective
In response to criticisms about the National Weather Service's advanced alert system during this disaster, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly backed the NWS, emphasizing the importance of robust and timely severe weather alerts. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025 Residents and summer camps along the Guadalupe River were not told to evacuate and only got an alert warning at 4 a.m., as the river had already begun to rise. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Parts of Northern Kentucky are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 8:30 p.m. as well.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 21 July 2025
  • Then, after the woman told them to give a little notice before coming over, the couple again arrived without any warning.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • When more than a month’s worth of rain fell in 90 minutes just west of the United Center late Tuesday night, federal weather forecasters warned of possible flash flooding, triggering a chain of events that alerted some Chicago residents about potential danger.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Life-threatening flooding was possible in western Union County, New Jersey, the National Weather Service warned.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to a 2021 report by The Sun on Sunday, the Queen was kept awake at night with worry over her grandson's habit of flying helicopters, despite his training with the Royal Air Force.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 18 July 2025
  • But hiring even one bad apple can keep you awake at night and question your sanity.
    Kate Morgan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be cautious using public Wi-Fi Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • No, things aren’t all roses, but at least some cautious optimism is in order.
    Bruce Yandle, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.
    Cierra Cowan July 11, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The latest of the spacecraft, known as sounding rockets, most recently made a successful quick trip to space to study one of the most complex regions of the sun's atmosphere following a New Mexico launch.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • Instead, use this time to wind down maybe by stretching, reading, journaling or even doing a quick emotional check-in.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • With its minimalist rectangular face and refined proportions, the Carino watch by Heaven Mayhem adds just enough polish to bare wrists peeking from oversized shirt cuffs.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a flood watch through 8 p.m. July 21 for several Kentucky and Southern Indiana cities and counties.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • This same accident-prone influence might apply to your pet, so be vigilant.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Maine State Police are warning the community to stay vigilant but have not divulged the cause of death or any details about the crime scene, leaving Stewart’s family with questions and nearby residents with fears that a killer may be among them.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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