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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alertness
Energy, Alertness, and Strength Caffeine can increase alertness, energy, and physical abilities.
—
Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
For example, start your day with coffee for maximum alertness, then switch to chai in the afternoon.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The circadian rhythm, the body’s natural alarm clock that will suppress melatonin in the morning and increase alertness, is triggered by sunlight.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Once viewed as mere support cells for neurons, astrocytes are now thought to help tune brain circuits and thereby control overall brain state or mood — say, our level of alertness, anxiousness, or apathy.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Some studies suggest that mild sensory input may increase alertness in specific populations – such as older adults training to improve their balance or people in rehabilitation for sensory loss – but these effects are modest and highly dependent on context.
—Atom Sarkar, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2026
Medications that affect alertness (such as certain pain medicines and antidepressants) or circulation (such as some blood pressure pills) also can increase risk.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Another idea is that the rhythm causes brief fluctuations in alertness, allowing sleeping animals to periodically check their surroundings and reduce the risk of being eaten.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
And wit is basically the alertness of the writer—being aware of where the reader might be, and then responding to that.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
For example, start your day with coffee for maximum alertness, then switch to chai in the afternoon.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The circadian rhythm, the body’s natural alarm clock that will suppress melatonin in the morning and increase alertness, is triggered by sunlight.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Once viewed as mere support cells for neurons, astrocytes are now thought to help tune brain circuits and thereby control overall brain state or mood — say, our level of alertness, anxiousness, or apathy.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Some studies suggest that mild sensory input may increase alertness in specific populations – such as older adults training to improve their balance or people in rehabilitation for sensory loss – but these effects are modest and highly dependent on context.
—Atom Sarkar, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2026
Medications that affect alertness (such as certain pain medicines and antidepressants) or circulation (such as some blood pressure pills) also can increase risk.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Another idea is that the rhythm causes brief fluctuations in alertness, allowing sleeping animals to periodically check their surroundings and reduce the risk of being eaten.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
And wit is basically the alertness of the writer—being aware of where the reader might be, and then responding to that.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 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
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The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised the public to secure loose outdoor items, watch for falling branches, and use caution while driving or walking.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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The fog makes travel difficult, leading the NWS to advise extra caution when on the road, or to avoid driving.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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McOsker attributes the agency’s decision to leave to the vigilance of community members and especially the Harbor Area Peace Patrols.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Child-care fraud in Minnesota is one of many examples, and Minnesota is only one of many states with lax control of welfare spending.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
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The survey, which takes about one to two minutes to complete, invites parents and primary caregivers to share their experiences with child care, pediatric and mental health access, cost of living, long commutes and other everyday challenges.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The note also had details about a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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Community members have organized visible school watches to ensure families are not isolated or caught alone in moments of fear.—
Marilyn Carlson Nelson,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Posey seems to want to pass this off as prudence.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Having both adequate owners’ capital against insolvency and deposit reserves against illiquidity were voluntary prudence early in this historical evolution.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The alert is for Coalinga - Avenal, West Side of Fresno and Kings counties, West Side Mountains South of 198, Delano-Wasco-Shafter and Hanford - Corcoran - Lemoore as well as Kern County.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Locations impacted by the alert include San Rafael, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Fairfax, Sausalito, Kentfield, Tamalpais-Homestead, Muir Beach, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Stinson Beach, Strawberry, Ross, Santa Venetia and Bolinas.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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