alert 1 of 3

alert

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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

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adjective

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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

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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
Apple is suspending its new artificial intelligence feature summarizing alerts for news and entertainment apps after facing complaints from news outlets and press freedom groups about generating false and inaccurate information. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 To do so, tap on ‘Security alerts’ which is in that same ‘Security & permissions’ tab. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
According to an Alameda Police Department representative, organizers for the People’s March in Alameda did not request a permit for the event, but did alert the city about it. Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 Ars listened to live audio from air traffic control in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as controllers alerted pilots of the airspace restrictions. Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Thom Harris Photo: Getty Images GK League One 22 4 Evan Ferguson FWD 🇮🇪 Age: 20 Club: Brighton Premier League clubs are alert to the possibility that Evan Ferguson might be available on loan later this month. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Crews found that the child was alert and conscious, police said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alert 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The Clay Fire in Riverside County, near Los Angeles, has ignited on Tuesday evening, growing to nearly 40 acres and prompting evacuation warnings.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Many neighborhoods in eastern Altadena and surrounding areas got evacuation warnings and orders that Tuesday night.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Andreessen, who has advised Trump on tech policy, warned that overregulating the AI industry could stifle U.S. innovation and give China an advantage.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • By the end of the week, New York City will be one of the major metro areas that could see drenching rain or ice and snow, AccuWeather warned, adding that Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., could see several hours of heavy rain that could cause travel delays.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are a few of our favorites: Honey-Garlic Chicken Marry Me Chicken Casserole Chicken Bog Cast-Iron Roast Chicken King Ranch Chicken Casserole Chicken And Corn Chowder Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 4 (14-oz.
    Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Not being able to sleep and being awake are two distinct settings.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the Dodgers plan to be cautious with the right-hander at the outset of the 2025 season.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • People who are pregnant should be cautious, as flaxseeds might have mild hormonal effects.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The thing about Nickel Boys is its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
  • White’s wiry, versatile, energetic, intelligent and strong.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One way to relieve those symptoms is with a quick walk.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Smoothies are a staple for quick, on-the-go meals or snacks, offering convenience and versatility to fit any lifestyle.
    Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As for her accessories, Djokovic added a delicate pair of earrings, stacks of bracelets, a watch and dainty rings.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025
  • That is why our forecasts, watches and warnings focus on specific impacts such as wind conditions, snowfall, ice, temperature, visibility and other impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Authorities and consumer advocates are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking suspicious links in such messages.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • New Orleans police are asking residents to be vigilant when walking near their headquarters on Poydras Street in the DXC building.
    Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near alert

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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