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
Police have urged establishments to continue and take extra precautions for securing outdoor furniture and to remain vigilant, especially during late hours.
—
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Imagine a university where students wrestle with Plato, grapple with Sophocles, analyze Frederick Douglass and emerge not only skilled but whole, vigilant and virtuous.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
And with both the holiday-shopping season fast approaching and the latest ransomware attack on Muji’s logistics and delivery servicer Askul, some IT experts are warning all to be even more vigilant.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Staying vigilant and preventing these hazards from the outset can protect your home and family while still enjoying all the great benefits a gas stove offers.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Imagine a university where students wrestle with Plato, grapple with Sophocles, analyze Frederick Douglass and emerge not only skilled but whole, vigilant and virtuous.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
And with both the holiday-shopping season fast approaching and the latest ransomware attack on Muji’s logistics and delivery servicer Askul, some IT experts are warning all to be even more vigilant.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Staying vigilant and preventing these hazards from the outset can protect your home and family while still enjoying all the great benefits a gas stove offers.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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According to Fox 5, the baby was found with her umbilical cord still attached, was wrapped only in a sheet but was alert and conscious.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
20 Oct. 2025
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The pilot, who was flying alone, was able to get out of the plane on his own and was conscious and alert at the scene.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Kat’s goal was to keep me awake but unstimulated, so that when lights-out finally came, I’d be primed for deep, solid sleep.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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That may seem early, but by that time, Ragan has already been awake for over three hours and accomplished more than most.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
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His Emmys keep a watchful eye from beside his TV.—
Katherine Laidlaw,
HubSpot,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This careful tiptoeing is probably because the scissor artwork was never meant to be sold at a wider scale.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
24 Oct. 2025
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the other, the teenage boys are becoming aware that their comforts come at the expense of others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
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The viewer also sees Selena studying Spanish, acutely aware of the pressures attached to her identity as a Mexican American performer.—
Cat Cardenas,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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