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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  1. watch
  2. watchfulness
  3. alert
  4. alertness
  5. vigilance
Noun
  • Investors will be keeping a close watch on the listing of SBI Fund Management next week, as strong post IPO gains would increase appetite for new issues.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • Co-owner Jeff Lyell closed a block of Morgan Ford Road and rolled in a massive screen, creating one of the city's largest and most authentic watch parties.
    — Meredith Nierman, NPR, 17 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
  • Its interior ministry previously reported that air alert sirens had been activated multiple times into Saturday morning local time.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The city fell under a dangerous, code red air quality alert Thursday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting southeast from Ontario.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of alert
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
Noun
  • Saggar said vigilance is key as health officials continue probing.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 15 July 2026
  • In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 14 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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