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
Residents are asked to be vigilant and be prepared for a possible evacuation.
—
Jose Fabian, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Kinuwan encouraged the Native American community to stay vigilant.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
One study shows that getting four to six hours of sleep per night leads to a dramatic decrease in vigilant attention over a span of 14 days.
—P. Daniel Patterson, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
What the Dead Know centers on highly intelligent, hyper-vigilant death Investigator Ava Ledger (Schilling) who is really good with dead bodies.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Jose Fabian, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Kinuwan encouraged the Native American community to stay vigilant.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
One study shows that getting four to six hours of sleep per night leads to a dramatic decrease in vigilant attention over a span of 14 days.
—P. Daniel Patterson, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026
What the Dead Know centers on highly intelligent, hyper-vigilant death Investigator Ava Ledger (Schilling) who is really good with dead bodies.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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And concern that the selling stirred by AI will tip over into other industries remains high, keeping investors alert to potential risks ahead.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2026
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The Israeli National Security Council issued a warning to Israelis abroad, urging them to take heightened precautions in all destinations and remain alert to potential threats against Israeli and Jewish targets overseas.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors allege Joshua Alvarado, 30, passed out at the wheel of his pickup truck while driving to work and was startled awake by other drivers honking at him.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
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Thus, The Pitt had to figure out how to show its awake fiber-optic intubation without having access to real-life-patient footage, something Sachs says is either too low quality to read on TV or protected by privacy laws.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Be watchful of ponding on roadways.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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The next day, the chefs headed out for an elimination challenge at La Belle Helene, where several watchful Charlotteans had spotted film crews last fall.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The best way to attain them during this conjunction of Venus and Saturn in your financial zone would be to set careful guardrails around your spending.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
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No amount of sweeping or careful stepping keeps it at bay; shoes quickly collect a film of dust or thick mud.—
Katie Strasberg Rousso,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One activist said the group is aware of the concerns, as well as worries about noise complaints, but counter that with the changing tactics of ICE agents in their communities, residents are also looking for new, flexible, grassroots ways to alert people.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Be aware that sodium nitrite is added to the brine to prevent bacterial growth and to give the meat its characteristic pink color.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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