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 Parents should be extra vigilant to avoid accidents related to their kids. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025 Commission Director Doug Schoenrock said the agency will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to find the bear responsible for the attack. Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2025 While authorities say the incident was not random, school officials are asking students to remain vigilant as university police work to identify and locate the suspect. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Local authorities continued to asked residents in the city and surrounding towns in Haiti’s southern regions to remain vigilant. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • The state is asking motorists to stay alert, drive without distractions and to obey reduced speed limits in the area.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Again, DeMelo was taken to the hospital, where she was later reported stable and alert, but this time the league called for a postponement of the game.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • All the firefighters were awake and alert, Esposito said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That night, after the talent show and dinner and homework, Emily lay awake in bed, unable to sleep.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, in September and October, Ali, Mahmoud and Person 1 began practicing at local shooting ranges, under the watchful eye of FBI agents, the complaint states.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Robin is about 30% autonomous, while a team of operators working remotely controls the rest under the watchful eyes of clinical staff.
    HALLIE GOLDEN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Tesla has implemented autopilot and self-driving features on its vehicles that include traffic-aware cruise control, semi-autonomous navigation, response to traffic lights and the ability to summon the car from a parking space.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Pregnant people may only experience mild symptoms like fever, fatigue and muscle aches, but should be aware that listeria could cause miscarriages, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of their newborn.
    NPR, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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