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

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

Examples 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
One weather alert still in place is a high surf advisory issued by the NWS office in San Francisco. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Air quality improves An air quality alert was in place across Ventura County through late Saturday because of persistent smoke and ash from the fire. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024 Crew Socks Crew height socks are back in again (alert your millennial friends who might still be wearing no-see ankle socks). Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The officers found the resident, who was conscious and alert. Brie Stimson, Fox News, 9 Nov. 2024 All individuals who use these medications should be alert to symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump in the neck, a hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alert 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Climate & Environment Controversial Prop. 65 warning labels about toxic chemicals are effective, study says Nov. 11, 2024 The law would effectively oversee the end of fossil fuel extraction in the Inglewood Oil Field, where drilling has occurred for a century.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Areas from the west border of Texas to the southeast coast of Virginia, including northern parts of Florida, could see frost or freeze warnings until Dec. 3.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Business owners and economists alike warn that mass deportations, along with stricter border measures and the revoking of Biden-era protections, could have a seismic impact on the labor market and the US economy.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The storm was already blamed for two deaths and will likely fuel flooding, rock slides, debris flows and more power outages, the National Weather Service warned on Thursday.
    John Bacon, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This Italian Pork Roast Cooks Low and Slow for the Most Tender Meat Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 (4- to 5-lb) pork rib roasts (about 8 ribs each), one left and one right if possible, chine bones removed 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp.
    Jan Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The sound of air raid sirens, especially at night, kept people awake for days on end.
    Gregory Wakeman, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As consumers continue to be cautious about their spending, Amazon’s focus on cheaper items could keep it ahead of competitors like Target (TGT+2.53%), Walmart (WMT+0.53%), and discount grocer Aldi, all of which are racing to lower prices in response to changing shopping habits.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Over recent months, concerns about inflation and economic stability have kept the Fed on a cautious path, with officials maintaining a close watch on key indicators.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Besides maintaining control of one’s own emotions, an emotionally intelligent leader is aware of their team members’ emotions and motivations.
    Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • So Far This is a world where fascism in Oz is taking hold, where fear and hatred is being promoted and the intelligent and wise speaking animals of Oz are having their voices silenced.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Don’t be too quick to buy into something that is a fleeting desire.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The news of Trump's win in Kentucky was met with cheers and applause at a Republican watch party Tuesday night in Louisville at The Henry Clay, a downtown event venue.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Photo: David Dee Delgado/AFP/Getty Images Members and supporters of the New York Immigration Coalition at an Election Night watch party at their offices in New York City.
    Curbed Staff, Curbed, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Scammers are constantly developing new ways to bypass these defenses, so staying vigilant is just as critical as using the right tools. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Central banks will need to remain vigilant in fully bringing down inflation, the report warned.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near alert

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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