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
Relevance
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
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 alertness
This increases alertness, boosts available energy and temporarily downshifts nonessential functions like digestion.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Ten minutes outside around lunchtime makes a measurable difference in afternoon alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Stepping outside briefly recalibrates the suprachiasmatic nucleus and resets alertness without a stimulant.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
Just as athletes are supposed to stretch and warm up their muscles, puzzles warm up our brain’s neural pathways, increasing our mental alertness and processing speed.
—Elise Devlin, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Bright light in the 2,500-10,000 lux range during the first six hours of a night shift suppresses melatonin and enhances alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026
Bright light in the 2,500-10,000 lux range during the first six hours of a shift suppresses melatonin and sharpens alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
During and immediately after exercise, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which increase alertness and mood.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
That temporarily masks the sensation of fatigue and promotes alertness.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Ten minutes outside around lunchtime makes a measurable difference in afternoon alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Stepping outside briefly recalibrates the suprachiasmatic nucleus and resets alertness without a stimulant.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
Just as athletes are supposed to stretch and warm up their muscles, puzzles warm up our brain’s neural pathways, increasing our mental alertness and processing speed.
—Elise Devlin, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Bright light in the 2,500-10,000 lux range during the first six hours of a night shift suppresses melatonin and enhances alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026
Bright light in the 2,500-10,000 lux range during the first six hours of a shift suppresses melatonin and sharpens alertness.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
During and immediately after exercise, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which increase alertness and mood.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
That temporarily masks the sensation of fatigue and promotes alertness.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
-
There was no carefulness in it.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
-
In nine short, potent chapters, Beckerman lays out the essential traits of an effective dissident — loyalty, recklessness and watchfulness, among them — to illustrate how communities of resistance are built from the ground up.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
-
The same few voices lead every conversation, and everyone else trades challenge for caution.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
As population growth drives animal-to-human disease transmission, outbreaks like the current one will become more frequent, requiring a sustained level of vigilance that cuts across sectors.—
Daniele Nyirandutiye,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
-
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
As courts weigh transgender military bans and states restrict gender-affirming care, some corporations retreat from sponsorship while local businesses step up to keep hometown Pride celebrations funded and visible.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Every detail is a quiet act of care.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Zenith’s newest watch is all about that red, white, and blue.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
28 May 2026
-
The seizures included more than 12 kilograms (26 pounds) in gold bars, millions in cash, premium watches and some 20 luxury properties, investigators told a news conference.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Strength and prudence are not the same thing.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Today, when we are bombarded with news, alerts, and the constant intrusion of digital devices into every facet of our lives, that sentiment seems truer than ever.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
Occasionally, breakfast proceedings would be interrupted by a cheeky monkey sitting up on the rafters, and staffers would be on high alert with their wild gesticulating, causing tittering among diners.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
