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

3 of 3

adjective

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2
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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
While it is widely understood that sleep is critical to mental and physical health, modern bedtime routines increasingly include screens, apps and notifications—all of which may keep the brain on high alert long after lights out. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 Fake Apple virus warnings, security alerts and messages are all tactics used to prompt you to call a number or click on a malicious link. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
Other recommendations in the audit include subscribing to a service that alerts cities when grants become available and creating a city grants resource library to preserve institutional knowledge. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 Man Says He Was Forced to Choke His Dog to Death After Animal Mauled Him for 45 Minutes Randle’s son Damien, who lives next door, raced over to help after he was alerted of the attack by his mother’s screams. Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Every access request, every anomaly, every alert demands scrutiny. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 One ear flopped down while the other stuck straight up to stay alert if any footsteps walked toward the room. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • The warning was issued Saturday at 9:49 a.m., and the latest update about this incident was released on Saturday at 10:24 a.m.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Separately, earnings warnings from corporate giants like Nike and FedEx spooked the market.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Ridley tries to warn her dad that what’s going on isn’t right, and Elliot finally realizes it late in the game, when the entitled and very bro-y Shepard Leopold (Will Poulter) uses Ridley and the dead foal as bait to capture the other unicorns.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
  • While the spillway will remain active for another several weeks, the Bureau of Reclamation is currently warning motorists that there will likely be increased traffic and congestion along State Route 128 due to current public interest in the site.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider a 4-year-old who has been awake for 16,000 hours, LeCun suggests.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Neighbors initially complained about the gunshot-style sound of the flag flapping in the wind and keeping them awake at night.
    David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cunard's Queen Anne cruise ship advised passengers to remain cautious while the ship passed through a piracy-prone area in Southeast Asia, according to a Thursday, March 13, TikTok.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The organization has become more cautious about backing properties that are underinsured, dilapidated, or lack sufficient reserves for maintenance.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Recognizing team members regularly enhances your emotional intelligence (EI) and creates a more emotionally intelligent workplace.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mechanical arms work on the production line of electronic products for new-energy vehicles in an intelligent workshop at a factory in the high-tech industrial park on February 6, 2025 in Fengcheng, Jiangxi Province of China.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Swedish forward was given a quick audition during the Sens’ blowout loss to the Avalanche earlier this week.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Mothers who had kids in quick succession, like her, validated why their experience was challenging.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • On the Series watches, Apple plans to put the camera inside the device's display itself, while on the larger Ultra model, the camera will lie on the side of the watch, next to the side button.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The security did an amazing job keeping watch over the ship last night.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While the law itself stands firm, its power has always depended on vigilant enforcement.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night and be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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