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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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
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
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share