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
For many in Chinatown, the tragedy underscores the risks pedestrians face daily — even those who are vigilant.
—
Kenny Choi, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Pinecrest police ends the Facebook post warning other neighbors in the area to stay vigilant, and for potential lawbreakers to stay far away.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Cancer is one of those things that, once someone in a family is diagnosed, everyone else should be extra vigilant.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Mar. 2026
The Guthrie family last week asked the community to stay vigilant.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Kenny Choi, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Pinecrest police ends the Facebook post warning other neighbors in the area to stay vigilant, and for potential lawbreakers to stay far away.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Cancer is one of those things that, once someone in a family is diagnosed, everyone else should be extra vigilant.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Mar. 2026
The Guthrie family last week asked the community to stay vigilant.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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One was transported to a hospital in critical condition, while the other was alert, conscious, and breathing.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The tears came and stood alert in his eyes, looked out at the world, then retreated.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In combined bites, the salty ingredients season the fresh ones, and the textures are varied enough to gently nudge the brain awake.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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During the trial, however, the jury was shown an image that depicted the 7-year-old riding in the back of Horner’s FedEx truck on her knees, while still awake and active, according to the Associated Press.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gallery guards keep a watchful eye on any verboten photo taking or loud conversation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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The agency said drivers would need to be in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This requires careful monitoring of key parameters such as sugar and acidity from veraison through to harvest.—
Maureen Mackey , Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Somewhere within him is the spirit of the patriotic teenager and the careful lower-court judge who rejected any notion of party loyalty or judicial agenda.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The issue is mostly with visitors coming to my house and us visiting relatives who are not aware of our day-to-day lives.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
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In some cases, the new owners were not aware that the responsibility of the tanks had been transferred to them.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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