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
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Recent Examples of red alert
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
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
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
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
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The company’s other plans for the building include converting the former press room into a large event space — perhaps for tech conferences or even entertainment like World Cup watch parties.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
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Against the backdrop of his classic tuxedo (and the rich red carpet) the watch was hard not to miss.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An analysis by the Police Department from 2015 found that about 70% of ShotSpotter alerts in the coverage area were not accompanied by a 911 call, meaning officers were often responding to gunfire incidents that residents did not report, Becchina said.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
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The Los Angeles Police Department issued several alerts of street closures due to the march.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The company positions the technology as a support tool for resilience and readiness, especially in roles that demand sustained alertness.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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Green tea contains caffeine, which can promote wakefulness and alertness.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Such vigilance has mostly been absent from the current Congress.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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Meanwhile money vigilance means being cautious and concerned about your financial well-being.—
Veronica Bravo,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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