Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wide-awake contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wide-awake are alert, vigilant, and watchful. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to wide-awake?

Although the words alert and wide-awake have much in common, alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When could vigilant be used to replace wide-awake?

The synonyms vigilant and wide-awake are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

In what contexts can watchful take the place of wide-awake?

While in some cases nearly identical to wide-awake, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

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 wide-awake Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart, and Sebastian Stan films hit Sundance 2024: See the full lineup MIDNIGHT From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 For wide-awake eyes, Mrs. Bieber swipes on Kosas’ Revealer Concealer, which is another multipurpose product. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 20 Sep. 2024 Forgotten that prayer is a kind of wide-awake drift toward God. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 Blackout shades and curtains are a dream for light sleepers and for parents who want wide-awake children to nod off at nap time. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 27 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide-awake
Adjective
  • In another bedroom, Jamie is awake and thinking about Lord John.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Fruit flies sing, get drunk and can be kept awake with caffeine, suggesting even more similarities between their brains and ours.
    Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Indianapolis weather:Potential snow squalls have Indianapolis meteorologists on alert Flash freezing for this evening As temperatures fall later on today into the evening flash freezing on the surfaces of roads will also be possible.
    Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Residents with eucalyptus trees in or near their yard should also be on alert, since the trees are highly flammable and have shallow root structures.
    Maura Fox, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Low to medium doses show a reduction in the alpha frequency of brain waves (which correspond to relaxed and wakeful states), along with rising entropy, a signature finding of sober brains sinking deeper into a trip.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Having the right pillow can make a big difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and a restless, wakeful one.
    Casey Clark, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • The study also urges healthcare providers to be more vigilant when diagnosing histoplasmosis, particularly in marijuana growers and highlights the need for testing commercial bat guano for Histoplasma and educating users on proper handling to avoid fungal infections.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Remember to stay vigilant while shopping online or responding to unexpected messages.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • While the four vampires (plus their Monster and the Guide, played by Kristen Schaal) are largely unfazed by the news, Guillermo starts to spiral, seemingly unable to accept that this is the end of everything he's worked so hard for (under the watchful eye of the cameras).
    Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The North Koreans apparently attacked in broad daylight, on foot, marching over mines under the watchful eyes of Ukrainian drones—and came under fire from drones and artillery.
    David Axe, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near wide-awake

Cite this Entry

“Wide-awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide-awake. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wide-awake

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