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 Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 July 2025 The most important commanders on the base were barred from entry by one vigilant MP who demanded LeMay first hand over his cigars and matches. Literary Hub, 24 July 2025 Parents should be extra vigilant about their kids today to avoid accidents. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 July 2025 This same accident-prone influence might apply to your pet, so be vigilant. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • The bear was also alert when released and quickly began feeding on a patch of berries nearby.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • All users, not just those of the Google platform, need to be alert to the risk.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Our brains interpret light as a signal to stay awake and darkness as a cue to fall asleep.3 Blue light, the type emitted by phones, sends an especially strong signal to the brain.
    Julia Ries, Health, 12 Aug. 2025
  • But just as these two were unable to stay awake through their first date, their adult bodies aren’t cut out for this trip down memory lane, either.
    Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed to push boundaries, this scotch is made from a blend of single malts concocted under the watchful eye of Master Blender Michael Henry.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Rashford took part in a workout with his new team-mates under Flick’s watchful eye.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Navigating this revolution responsibly requires careful policy, support for adaptation and a focus on using technology to benefit people.
    Vaibhav Dani, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many whites were aware of a lack of Black voter participation in the South but often lacked a deeper understanding of its causes and consequences.
    Time, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Scrolling LinkedIn, you are effectively being made aware of all your problems, by people trying to sell you the solution.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

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