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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Recent Examples of red alert
Guangzhou, a city of 18.6 million people, was expected to issue its highest red alert Tuesday, while in Shenzhen, home to about 17.5 million residents, work and businesses were shut down and officials were preparing to relocate 400,000 people from low-lying and coastal areas.
—
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
For the Fortune 500, the IT worker scheme has been a flashing red alert about the evolution of employment-fraud schemes.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
In one of the latest instances of extreme weather, at least 30 people died this week on the outskirts of Beijing after the city issued the highest-level red alert for heavy rain, according to state media.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 July 2025
In France, the national weather service Wednesday issued a rare red alert in four regions where the heat wave was expected to last until 9 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET).
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red alert
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
For the Fortune 500, the IT worker scheme has been a flashing red alert about the evolution of employment-fraud schemes.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
In one of the latest instances of extreme weather, at least 30 people died this week on the outskirts of Beijing after the city issued the highest-level red alert for heavy rain, according to state media.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 July 2025
In France, the national weather service Wednesday issued a rare red alert in four regions where the heat wave was expected to last until 9 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET).
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red alert
Noun
-
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
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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
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
Noun
-
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
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Both naturally increase alertness without disrupting sleep later.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Indeed, more firms are calling for vigilance.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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