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 Baltic Sea region is on alert and the NATO alliance has boosted its presence after a series of power cable, telecom and gas pipeline outages since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Reuters, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 Nineteen states from Nebraska to Florida are facing cold weather alerts on Friday morning as a relentless Arctic blast persists -- but a warmup is finally on the way. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
Worried, Angus tracked down and alerted Elsbeth’s NYPD pals, quite possibly saving her from harm. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 Feb. 2025 The couple’s home was broken into on Friday, Feb. 14, and police were alerted to the incident at around 8 p.m., police sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News, ABC News and TMZ. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
The pope was mentally alert at the meeting but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties. Caitlin Danaher, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025 Bennett encouraged drivers to stay alert on the roads and focus only on driving while in a vehicle. Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The warning about the security measures put in place were posted on the naval base’s Facebook page.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The State Department has issued a travel warning for U.S. citizens in Tamaulipas, citing high crime and kidnappings amid ongoing violence between drug cartels.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • South Korean officials have warned that Beijing could build as many as a dozen additional installations in the area.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The retailing giant on Thursday provided a 2025 sales and profit forecast that was lower than analysts had expected, with executives warning about new challenges in an uncertain economic landscape.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Police said the female victim was awake and speaking with detectives.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Despite the seriousness of his condition, he was reported to be awake, in good spirits, and not experiencing pain.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But just as smartphones and the internet are powerful tools to broaden their horizons, parents and caregivers are right to be cautious about exactly what their teens are posting on the day-to-day.
    Ella Cerón, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The market remains cautious about suggesting any change could come soon.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The application can generate unit test cases, propose intelligent code fixes and answer some coding queries, including refactoring.
    Bankim Chandra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Any edge comes from their regular scene partners: Wilson’s believably unpleasant demeanor, Bratt’s vulnerable charm, Scott’s lo-fi depression and, most appealingly, Driver’s intelligent wariness.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • LeCroy was quick to comfort him—though every mom watching recognized the protective Mama Bear look in her eyes.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Snagging a deal on Woot is about being quick, as these deals don't stick for long, disappearing as soon as stock runs out (which is usually pretty quick).
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Having said this, given some of the allegations against Wallace are alleged to have happened on her watch, this could count against her.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
  • They were asked to take off their smart watches and to take a pledge of integrity.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Israel Security Agency, known as the Shin Bet, has taken over the investigation, and police have urged the public to remain vigilant.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
  • But the industry must remain vigilant to keep its own safety net intact.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 5 Mar. 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!