as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
the night watchman, who was usually vigilant, apparently dozed off and didn't notice the vandals sneaking in
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Recent Examples of vigilant
Owners of all flocks, large and small, must remain vigilant with their biosecurity to prevent the virus's introduction.
—
Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Local authorities continue to urge trail users at Quail Hill and surrounding Irvine parks to remain vigilant as warmer weather increases snake activity.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
The United States does not have ongoing transmission of polio, but public health officials must remain vigilant.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Local authorities continue to urge trail users at Quail Hill and surrounding Irvine parks to remain vigilant as warmer weather increases snake activity.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
The United States does not have ongoing transmission of polio, but public health officials must remain vigilant.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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In a news release shared on social media, the Bell Police Department urged residents to stay alert due to an increase in reports related to the crime, which sees the suspects following their victims after cash is withdrawn.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Remain alert for a possible tornado!—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Niacinamide brightens the appearance of dark circles, and caffeine tamps down puffiness, making eyes look more awake.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
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Authorities were called to a home in Oklahoma City after Josh Hodnik was jolted awake by his 11-year-old son, who told him there was a strange man in his bed on Saturday, March 14, according to KOKH.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Their extended range enables comprehensive mapping of vast territories, tracking snow levels to predict floods or hydroelectric output, and keeping a watchful eye on natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Mar. 2026
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All under the watchful eyes of scouts from 30 of the 32 NFL teams.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This is not the first time the United States has taken careful aim in Iran and shot its own feet.—
Nicholas D. Kristof,
Mercury News,
21 Mar. 2026
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Kang noted that Demon Hunters’ visual style was consciously shaped by her lifelong love of anime and manhwa — Korean comics and graphic novels — and executed with careful attention to Korean linguistic and cultural nuances, even though the film’s lingua franca is American English.—
Dan Bilefsky,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The city was aware that rejecting the contract put at least $90 million in grant funding at risk, Councilwoman Sarah Parady said in December.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
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How the Horns held off the Wolfpack Anyone who has watched the Longhorns are painfully aware of the palpitations and hoop sweats that come with this group.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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