alert 1 of 3

alert

2 of 3

verb

as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk alerted us to the possibility that the roads would be flooded and we might have to take a detour

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alert

3 of 3

adjective

1
2
3
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind an alert and well-trained sheep dog who can handle difficult situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective alert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alert are vigilant, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When can vigilant be used instead of alert?

The synonyms vigilant and alert are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

When might watchful be a better fit than alert?

In some situations, the words watchful and alert are roughly equivalent. However, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When could wide-awake be used to replace alert?

The words wide-awake and alert can be used in similar contexts, but 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 alert
Noun
The resident who lives there told KSBW his security camera system sent multiple alerts to his phone, the outlet reported. Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 As Robinhood has expanded its sports prediction markets, adding Indy 500 and French Open event swaps to its arsenal this month, the U.S. gambling industry establishment has remained on alert. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
Officers with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were alerted to 52 items up for sale totalling $20,000 Australian dollars, or about $12,850 U.S. dollars, according to a May 6 news release from the office of Ariana Doolan, a member of Parliament from Pumicestone. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025 For me, being a man controlled by God, things that are blasphemous always alert me. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 May 2025
Adjective
Authorities said that some fugitives may have left the city or the state of Louisiana, and the public have been urged to stay alert, not be alarmed and report any tips. Michael Dorgan , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 The sheriff's office has released an image of the kayak model Valencia used and is encouraging boaters and lake visitors to remain alert. Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The widespread nature of these outages is echoed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s own warnings.
    Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
  • How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Landsbergis’ own Plan B starts with his home region, the Baltic countries, which have been among the most stalwart in warning the world about Russian aggression and providing aid for Ukraine.
    Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around President John F. Kennedy, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Thiele said that DJs should be used to being awake late, which Snow agreed with.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Salsa Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1 cup kimchi 1 cup chopped tomato (1 medium beefsteak or 2 medium romas) 1/2 cup chopped green onions or white onion 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or cilantro 1 Tbsp.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This streamlines workflows, automates tasks and leads to quicker decisions.
    Stephen Litjens, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The top 25 buyers spent more than $111 million and were granted a private VIP reception with Trump, while the top four also received a limited edition Trump Tourbillon watch that sells for $100,000.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • All his Thunder teammates were seated on stage in new Rolex watches.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Residents are advised to remain vigilant for health and fire risks during the peak heat advisory period and to follow all safety recommendations from public health and weather agencies.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Recent attempts to use a domestic tragedy as an excuse to restrict homeschooling in the state remind us to be vigilant.
    Peter Wolfgang, National Review, 27 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!