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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Ever alert to danger and vulnerability, Birdie and her shy, anxious friend Moses (Sky Yang) quietly sneak off to take part in protests against the regime.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • After weeks of erratic readings, Lewis reverted to the older G6 model and raised $25,000 on TikTok (@typeonederfulwells) to purchase a diabetes-alert service dog.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Palestinian schoolgirls saunter down a street in the Gaza Strip under the watchful eye of an Israeli patrol.
    Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2025.

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