RED ALERT Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

red alert

noun

Definition of red alert

as in watch

the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger the paparazzi were on red alert for sightings of the hot new Hollywood couple

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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 red alert Also Saturday, Italy's health ministry said 18 cities -- including the most popular tourism hubs like Venice, Florence, Bologna and Milan -- were on red alert due to danger posed by the high temperatures. — Arkansas Online, 26 June 2026 In Europe, a record-breaking heatwave has prompted red alerts across the continent. — Lim Hui Jie,leonie Kidd, CNBC, 25 June 2026 Red heat wave alerts across Italy Italy on Monday issued heat wave red alerts for 12 cities. — Makini Brice, USA Today, 23 June 2026 The red alert is the highest level of the national heatwave plan, reserved for an exceptional heatwave. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for red alert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for red alert

Noun

Over the next two decades, records are few, most of them noting criminal convictions for fighting in bars, stealing a watch, deserting a whaling ship, and beating his wife.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
For a neighborhood-style atmosphere semifinal watch party, The Brightside is a small bar that really packs a punch.

— Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 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

Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
Vibe Science says those biomarker changes align with behavioral change, such as falling asleep faster, feeling calmer or, in alertness sessions, sharper focus.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of alertness

Browse Nearby Words

redacts

red alert

red-blooded

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“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of red alert

noun

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