1
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
the white flash of the doe's raised tail, giving the "danger" alert to her fawns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
the doctor told the patient to be on the alert for any signs of infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk
alerted us to the possibility that the roads would be flooded and we might have to take a detour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
she needed to stay alert throughout the train ride so as not to miss her stop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
warned us to be alert to the presence of pickpockets on the crowded bus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
an alert and well-trained sheep dog who can handle difficult situations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
an alert force of commandos, ready to go on a mission at a moment's notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vigilance
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 alert
Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
For me, being a man controlled by God, things that are blasphemous always alert me.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 May 2025
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025
While alive and alert, the duo weren’t quite out of harm’s way yet—their nest was slowly sinking into the water with them in tow.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
The sheriff’s office urged the public to be on high alert for the missing inmates, who are considered armed and dangerous.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
Officers with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were alerted to 52 items up for sale totalling $20,000 Australian dollars, or about $12,850 U.S. dollars, according to a May 6 news release from the office of Ariana Doolan, a member of Parliament from Pumicestone.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
For me, being a man controlled by God, things that are blasphemous always alert me.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 May 2025
Adjective
According to Boisvert, the man was conscious and alert on the scene and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025
While alive and alert, the duo weren’t quite out of harm’s way yet—their nest was slowly sinking into the water with them in tow.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Verb
-
Key Takeaways Walmart warns tariffs will raise prices, triggering inflation concerns Markets seek tariff clarity; volatility trends suggest cautious optimism Retail earnings next week may reveal shifting consumer spending habits On Thursday, stocks closed mixed with the S&P 500 up 0.4%.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Showrunner Jess Brownell, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the U.K. premiere for Part 2 last year in June, had warned fans to expect a wait of up to two years.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Thiele said that DJs should be used to being awake late, which Snow agreed with.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Be aware that closing the drawer while your bedmate is sleeping will absolutely jolt them awake.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick succession by North Korea.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
-
Reese, the police lieutenant, urged pedestrians to remain vigilant.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
There is a chance the deal is not with the Mets, who could still be wary of committing to an aging slugger like Alonso.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Madrid’s staff are wary of Barca’s threat and think their rivals could have done even more damage in the Copa final.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the majors, Goldschmidt said, manager Kirk Gibson and coach Eric Young Sr. — who combined for more than 700 steals in their careers — shared the emphasis on smart base running.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Roach chose the more legal one, but not necessarily the smartest.—
Bill Dwyre,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share