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red alert

noun

Definition of red alertnext
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 Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities monitored under its national heat surveillance system on red alert Thursday — the first time this year the entire network has been under the highest warning level simultaneously. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Sunday’s stage through the Massif Central was won by Mathieu van der Poel, out-sprinting a small breakaway group, having been shortened by 30km due to a ‘red alert’ heatwave in the region. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 13 July 2026 The center on Saturday also issued the first red alert for rainstorms of the year, according to state broadcaster CCTV. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 Three-quarters of France, encompassing tens of millions of people, was put under a red alert for extreme heat on Thursday and Friday as the mercury topped 40 C (104 F) in some locations, including in Paris. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for red alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red alert
  1. watch
  2. watchfulness
  3. alert
  4. alertness
  5. vigilance
Noun
  • The famed artist, known for his vibrant, playful sculptures of inflatable pups (one of which fetched over $58 million at auction in 2013), has teamed up with Hublot to turn his creations into a collection of watches.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Citi reiterates Meta as buy Citi added a positive catalyst watch on stock ahead of its Meta Connect conference.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Hechinger, all raw nerve and watchfulness, announces himself as a star.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The multiple heads can be said to represent divine watchfulness of the world and devotees.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchfulness
Noun
  • Residents in several Cincinnati neighborhoods this week did not get trash picked up this week due to staffing shortages, according to an alert the city sent out this week.
    — Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Get breaking news alerts on your phone →download the IndyStar app.
    — Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of alert
Noun
  • Specialized cells in the eyes detect changes in light and communicate with the brain’s circadian system, helping coordinate processes such as alertness and sleep.
    — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Drinking water in the morning may improve alertness and reaction speed.
    — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of alertness
Noun
  • Kaepernick’s vigilance did, however, force us to consider the painful and problematic relationship between law enforcement and people of color.
    — Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, consider that the movement to protect kids from these harms is just beginning and will require constant evolution and vigilance to adapt to emerging threats.
    — Susan Morrisey, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of vigilance

Browse Nearby Words

redacts
red alert
red-blooded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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