qui vive

noun

kē-ˈvēv How to pronounce qui vive (audio)
Definition of qui vivenext
as in watch
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger an army on the qui vive for enemy attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for qui vive
  1. watch
  2. watchfulness
  3. alert
Noun
  • That is why millions of people now sleep with a ring, a watch or a smart bassinet nearby, quietly collecting sleep data all night long.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • For those who equate sport watches with rubber straps, the Hermès Cut is a nice entry point.
    — Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.
    — Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of watchfulness
Noun
  • In a red-alert scenario, the Eagles could also move DeJean to outside cornerback and move Michael Carter II to nickel.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • There are no alerts or advisories for boaters over the Atlantic waters and the Keys.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of alert
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.

Browse Nearby Words

quivers
qui vive
quixote
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Cite this Entry

“Qui vive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qui%20vive. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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