Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wide-awake contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wide-awake are alert, vigilant, and watchful. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to wide-awake?

Although the words alert and wide-awake have much in common, alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When could vigilant be used to replace wide-awake?

The synonyms vigilant and wide-awake are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

In what contexts can watchful take the place of wide-awake?

While in some cases nearly identical to wide-awake, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

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 wide-awake The relationship appears now irreparable, sounding the alarm on the most wide-awake RB sleeper in years. John Laghezza, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 The cognitive muscle work of creativity—of art and scientific research and philosophical insight—is all conducted by wide-awake thinkers. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025 The lightweight formula melts in easily, plays well with makeup, and gives you a wide-awake glow, even on the most tired undereyes. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025 Then, the video transitioned to a completely different scene—Cody, wide-awake, barking and howling, pacing around the house, and even chewing household items. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Swipe it on the inner corners of your eyes for an instant eye-brightening, wide-awake effect. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025 Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart, and Sebastian Stan films hit Sundance 2024: See the full lineup MIDNIGHT From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 For wide-awake eyes, Mrs. Bieber swipes on Kosas’ Revealer Concealer, which is another multipurpose product. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 20 Sep. 2024 Forgotten that prayer is a kind of wide-awake drift toward God. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide-awake
Adjective
  • Used consistently, the CryoGlow can even boost circulation and support lymphatic drainage, leaving skin looking fresher and more awake.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Later, in the scene in which Winnifred is kept awake by a single pea, Burnett performed a prolonged pantomime of violent physical discomfort, thrashing and dangling like a fish on a line atop a towering stack of mattresses.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ao Tanaka should not have dithered and conceded the second set-piece so late into injury time, while the backline should have been more alert to the second ball.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Polish radar systems were placed on the highest alert level, and NATO F-35 jets patrolled the skies until the assault concluded, according to the military.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tips to Break the Bedtime Screen Habit Dr. Verma, who was not involved in the research, offers the following tips to prevent wakeful effects from smartphones and get better sleep: Avoid screens 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Lauren Goode: Who among us doesn't want to have a nap gently guided by our wakeful rhythm?
    Lauren Goode, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Lisi urged people to remain vigilant.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • People living in hurricane-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant throughout the rest of the season.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In honor of the October 31-holiday, the network has gathered together comedians Patton Oswalt, Rachel Dratch, Leslie Jones and Adam Pally to test their skills in the kitchen — all under the watchful eyes of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide-awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide-awake. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wide-awake

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