VIGILANT Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vigilant

adjective

ˈvi-jə-lənt

Definition of vigilant next

as in alert

paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity the night watchman, who was usually vigilant, apparently dozed off and didn't notice the vandals sneaking in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Be vigilant and hold the CIF accountable when trends develop but change is rejected because people want to cling to ways of the past. —

Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 CrowdStrike is aware of the scam and advises individuals to stay vigilant. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 But for parents, these changes underscore the need to be vigilant in the evolving online landscape to protect their children. —

Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Whether at restaurants or in the homes of relatives or friends, people who are allergic to certain foods must remain vigilant, since exposure to food allergens poses a risk for potentially severe and life-threatening reactions. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vigilant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant

Adjective

The city of Los Angeles and the Sheriff’s Department also have alert systems.

— Christopher L. Keller, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Local officials have urged residents to stay alert and prepare for potential emergency actions if water levels rise rapidly.

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025