1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
drove through the fog with extra alertness, as the road signs repeatedly warned of deer and moose crossings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
we observed the U.S. border patrol's intensified alertness for drug smugglers at the border stations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alertness
The company positions the technology as a support tool for resilience and readiness, especially in roles that demand sustained alertness.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Green tea contains caffeine, which can promote wakefulness and alertness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Coffee delivers a faster, stronger energy boost, while green tea offers calmer, more sustained alertness.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Instead, the drugs appear to activate networks involved in alertness and the anticipation of pleasure, scientists report in the journal Cell.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
That’s because your brain depends on amino acids to make neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the chemical messengers that regulate mood, motivation, and alertness.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Certain scents, like rosemary, peppermint, or eucalyptus, have been shown to improve alertness and concentration, while others, like citrus, vanilla, or lavender, are known to reduce stress and elevate mood.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 16 Dec. 2025
Sleep is important for establishing circadian rhythms, which optimize alertness during the day and rest at night.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
The human nervous system isn’t designed for permanent alertness, and yet that is precisely what many workplaces now demand.
—Jon Rosemberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Green tea contains caffeine, which can promote wakefulness and alertness.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Coffee delivers a faster, stronger energy boost, while green tea offers calmer, more sustained alertness.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 Jan. 2026
Instead, the drugs appear to activate networks involved in alertness and the anticipation of pleasure, scientists report in the journal Cell.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
That’s because your brain depends on amino acids to make neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the chemical messengers that regulate mood, motivation, and alertness.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Certain scents, like rosemary, peppermint, or eucalyptus, have been shown to improve alertness and concentration, while others, like citrus, vanilla, or lavender, are known to reduce stress and elevate mood.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 16 Dec. 2025
Sleep is important for establishing circadian rhythms, which optimize alertness during the day and rest at night.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
The human nervous system isn’t designed for permanent alertness, and yet that is precisely what many workplaces now demand.
—Jon Rosemberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Such vigilance has mostly been absent from the current Congress.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile money vigilance means being cautious and concerned about your financial well-being.—
Veronica Bravo,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Summit speakers explored the current landscape of business and industry across health care, child care, education, manufacturing and development sectors, by discussing trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s economy.—
Marianne Love,
Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
But even without a health plan, people will still need medical care.—
Blake Farmer,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There is a fire weather watch posted for Friday with humidity levels as low as 13%.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Arnold’s original prudence was followed by overspending.—
John Seiler,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Today, similar prudence animates concerns about NATO and broader trans-Atlantic ties in an era when Europe has undergone profound transformations through mass migration, supranational governance, demographic decline, and shifting cultural priorities.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These tools include quiet hours, feature controls, and alerts tied to signs of acute distress.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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