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
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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
France issued a red alert on July 1 and warned of potentially severe health impacts as temperatures across the country climbed to between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the country’s meteorological service.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 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
France issued a red alert on July 1 and warned of potentially severe health impacts as temperatures across the country climbed to between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the country’s meteorological service.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for red alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red alert
Noun
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Seventy-six signings have been made on Parkinson’s watch.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Fresno has been issued a freeze watch.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
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This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The alert is for Coalinga - Avenal, West Side of Fresno and Kings counties, West Side Mountains South of 198, Delano-Wasco-Shafter and Hanford - Corcoran - Lemoore as well as Kern County.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Locations impacted by the alert include San Rafael, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Fairfax, Sausalito, Kentfield, Tamalpais-Homestead, Muir Beach, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Stinson Beach, Strawberry, Ross, Santa Venetia and Bolinas.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 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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McOsker attributes the agency’s decision to leave to the vigilance of community members and especially the Harbor Area Peace Patrols.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Red alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20alert. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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