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 Meanwhile, parents should be vigilant and know what their kids are doing. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 June 2025 The National Weather Service warned that people must be extra vigilant. Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 21 June 2025 Officers are asking residents in the search area to remain vigilant, though no shelter-in-place order has been issued at this time. Adeola Adeosun hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 Bitcoin’s Future Depends on the Integrity of Its Movement If Bitcoin serves as a tool for liberation, its developers, advocates, and holders face an ongoing responsibility to remain vigilant. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service on Sunday posted an alert warning of elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere because of wildfire smoke.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • She was jolted awake by blinking lights and a buzzing phone.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • This realization is especially haunting given that Dylan Mortensen, one of the surviving roommates who was awake at the time of the murders, saw someone in a black mask walk through the house.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Monitor weather conditions via radar or lightning app. Keep a watchful eye on the sky.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Also entering the Villa for compatibility challenges and matchups under the watchful eye of Perfect Match host Nick Lachey is Clayton Echard (The Bachelor), Rachel Recchia (The Bachelorette), Cody Wright (Temptation Island), Daniel Perfetto (Dated & Related) and The Mole alum Hannah Burns.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Musk’s comment about Bannon returning to prison was made under a post showing Trump’s Truth Social post, indicating that the billionaire is aware of the threat but is choosing not to respond yet.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Prince William’s charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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