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
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Recent Examples of alertness
From heightened alertness after your first sip to frequent bathroom trips and an afternoon crash, coffee has a distinct effect on your body and brain.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Both naturally increase alertness without disrupting sleep later.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
To measure my alertness, she’s decided to give me an hourly Psychomotor Vigilance Test, along with some word-fluency exercises and EEG brain scans.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Allergy sufferers might not realize, however, that these symptoms reduce alertness and cognitive functioning – some of the factors that can worsen mental health and increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
—Shooshan Danagoulian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Known to power all-around mental clarity, alertness, and focus, this powder is an ideal pick-me-up for a post-lunch afternoon work slump or mid-morning meeting.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Keeping your hands free while solo and on the move enhances alertness by minimizing distractions and improves reaction time for unexpected situations.
—Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Pre- and post-mission evaluations will be compared to in-flight data to better understand how the deep space mission influences the crew's alertness, stress and ability to work together cohesively.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Caffeine is a stimulant that boosts alertness, energy and brain activity.
—Dr. Mark Corkins, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Both naturally increase alertness without disrupting sleep later.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
To measure my alertness, she’s decided to give me an hourly Psychomotor Vigilance Test, along with some word-fluency exercises and EEG brain scans.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Allergy sufferers might not realize, however, that these symptoms reduce alertness and cognitive functioning – some of the factors that can worsen mental health and increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
—Shooshan Danagoulian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Known to power all-around mental clarity, alertness, and focus, this powder is an ideal pick-me-up for a post-lunch afternoon work slump or mid-morning meeting.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Keeping your hands free while solo and on the move enhances alertness by minimizing distractions and improves reaction time for unexpected situations.
—Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Pre- and post-mission evaluations will be compared to in-flight data to better understand how the deep space mission influences the crew's alertness, stress and ability to work together cohesively.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Caffeine is a stimulant that boosts alertness, energy and brain activity.
—Dr. Mark Corkins, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 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,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Japanese authorities continued to advise vigilance and caution due to ongoing aftershocks.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Indeed, more firms are calling for vigilance.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack—and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the care and keeping of me?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Any infants experiencing symptoms should have their care provider contacted immediately.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Sotheby’s estimated nearly a third of its watch sales in 2023 went to buyers age 30 and under, giving them priceless social currency.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.—
JOEL WUTHNOW,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The alert is for Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Cybercriminals are getting more creative, so protecting your finances means staying alert every step of the way.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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