Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigilant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigilant are alert, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to vigilant?

The words alert and vigilant can be used in similar contexts, but alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When is watchful a more appropriate choice than vigilant?

The meanings of watchful and vigilant largely overlap; however, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When is it sensible to use wide-awake instead of vigilant?

Although the words wide-awake and vigilant have much in common, 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 vigilant Officials encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 As a borrower, staying vigilant and proactive is crucial. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 If possible, use direct deposit for any tax refund, and be vigilant about monitoring the status of your returns. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025 Our state’s representatives must be vigilant and proactive, defending our gold standard against any and all threats. Sierra Rodriguez, The Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • The man appeared alert, yelling and craning his head as he was hoisted into the vehicle.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 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
  • The more recent batch of 15 wolves came from B.C. and they were released (under the watchful eyes of many concerned ranchers) in Eagle and Pitkin Counties this January.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Denim manufacturers are soldiering on, leaning on innovation and their internal capabilities to drive business while also keeping a watchful eye on the situation.
    Carved in Blue, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • My 23-year-old BMW received the same careful attention as my brand new premium cars, and the PURE PPF now provides it with those same protective, anti-aging benefits. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Everyone inside the clubhouse is aware of baseball mortality.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

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