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
Losing Jackson for any more games would certainly put the franchise on a red alert situation, as Cooper Rush did not spark much confidence in his starts with Jackson out.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
On Saturday, the South and Grand’Anse regions of Haiti were both upgraded to red alerts by the National Disaster Risk Management System.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The art community is on red alert.
—Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
The Sooners’ struggles of the past three years were a red alert that something had to change both on and off the field if this blue blood was going to stay one.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red alert
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
On Saturday, the South and Grand’Anse regions of Haiti were both upgraded to red alerts by the National Disaster Risk Management System.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The art community is on red alert.
—Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
The Sooners’ struggles of the past three years were a red alert that something had to change both on and off the field if this blue blood was going to stay one.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red alert
Noun
-
The people in line behind me were annoyed, checking their watches and peering ahead trying to figure out what was taking so long.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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And, like Higgins, Nam recently told Entertainment Weekly that his forgiveness can also be bought — to the tune of a new Rolex watch.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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A lot of this involves watchfulness—noticing what the preferring mind (that is, the editing mind) as put in place, and accepting it, and building upon it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
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Some flights have left airports in US-friendly Persian Gulf states, including United Arab Emirates cities Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the situation remains fluid and travelers are being urged to monitor government alert systems and check with their airlines.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Enzymes convert cholesterol into cortisol, which is discharged from the outer layer of the adrenal glands, to sharpen alertness.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
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Boost Energy and Alertness Taking a walk in the morning has been associated with lower daytime sleepiness and improved alertness during the day.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Private vigilance would prevent public slovenliness and insulate her from accidentally doing something embarrassing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
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Netanyahu also appealed to Israeli citizens to follow the guidance of the Home Front Command, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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