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
Music at this pace can improve a driver’s level of alertness and reduce fatigue without causing overstimulation.
—
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Mixing caffeine with alcohol may increase alertness, but your blood alcohol level and impairment stay the same.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026
Chuck Reger, franchise business coach at Five Star Painting, says bright red is highly stimulating and naturally increases alertness.
—Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
In other words, your brain uses morning light to set the timing for countless processes, from hormone release to body temperature to alertness.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
It’s based on the idea that intense, chronic stress or severe trauma can shape default patterns in the body like breathing, muscle tone, posture, digestion, and levels of alertness and emotional engagement, Erez says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Enzymes convert cholesterol into cortisol, which is discharged from the outer layer of the adrenal glands, to sharpen alertness.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, dry skin, dizziness, lower alertness, poor attention, irritability, and fatigue.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 17 Feb. 2026
This type of short-term stress can sharpen focus and alertness.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Mixing caffeine with alcohol may increase alertness, but your blood alcohol level and impairment stay the same.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026
Chuck Reger, franchise business coach at Five Star Painting, says bright red is highly stimulating and naturally increases alertness.
—Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
In other words, your brain uses morning light to set the timing for countless processes, from hormone release to body temperature to alertness.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
It’s based on the idea that intense, chronic stress or severe trauma can shape default patterns in the body like breathing, muscle tone, posture, digestion, and levels of alertness and emotional engagement, Erez says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Enzymes convert cholesterol into cortisol, which is discharged from the outer layer of the adrenal glands, to sharpen alertness.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, dry skin, dizziness, lower alertness, poor attention, irritability, and fatigue.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 17 Feb. 2026
This type of short-term stress can sharpen focus and alertness.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
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Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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A lot of this involves watchfulness—noticing what the preferring mind (that is, the editing mind) as put in place, and accepting it, and building upon it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
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Drivers headed out on their morning commutes and those running errands are urged to use caution and watch for black ice.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Residents' routines are shaped by caution and vigilance, and QueenEr'Re's death revived longstanding questions about safety and the city's efforts to address violence.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
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The sprawling nature of Maryland’s budget, which exceeds $65 billion, and its notorious high-profile cases of political corruption also add an element of vigilance and caution to the definition.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For example, individual filers can receive up to $994, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Mar. 2026
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While state lawmakers have passed nearly 50 new laws aimed at improving youth mental health, Colorado Health Institute found 44% of kids who needed care last year didn't get it due to a lack of money or insurance.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Yet his name continues to be stamped onto everything — Bibles, sneakers, watches, mobile phones and the Epstein files.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Farmers take great care of the creatures under their watch.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Extreme heat warnings and other heat alerts are in effect for millions from San Francisco to Phoenix and are likely to expand with time.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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