Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigilant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigilant are alert, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to vigilant?

The words alert and vigilant can be used in similar contexts, but alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When is watchful a more appropriate choice than vigilant?

The meanings of watchful and vigilant largely overlap; however, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When is it sensible to use wide-awake instead of vigilant?

Although the words wide-awake and vigilant have much in common, wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

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 vigilant The chapter urged other HBCUs, NAACP partners and Black leaders to be vigilant and prepared for more activity by the group and others like them. Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025 Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025 Improving investor behavior means staying vigilant during bull markets. Steve Booren, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 In an era of frequent job changes, staying vigilant about your 401(k)s is essential. Brian Menickella, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • Ao Tanaka should not have dithered and conceded the second set-piece so late into injury time, while the backline should have been more alert to the second ball.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Polish radar systems were placed on the highest alert level, and NATO F-35 jets patrolled the skies until the assault concluded, according to the military.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Williams and Hawkins will be manning a barista-style espresso station to keep players awake.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Mark Breckenridge, Huron Valley Ambulance spokesman, said the driver was awake and talking when the ambulance arrived at the scene, but not completely alert.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In honor of the October 31-holiday, the network has gathered together comedians Patton Oswalt, Rachel Dratch, Leslie Jones and Adam Pally to test their skills in the kitchen — all under the watchful eyes of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful of triggering an argument.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s Next UPenn has issued safety advice to students, including not wearing headphones, staying off of phones, and making sure to stay aware of surroundings.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In a rare move, aware of Chapman’s growing comfort in Boston, Breslow worked out an in-season extension for the veteran reliever.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!