alert 1 of 3

alert

2 of 3

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
3
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
Simply add your email address here to receive free alerts from the Star-Telegram. Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025 Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Use each tool’s setup guide so your agent alerts you to significant changes and compiles regular intelligence briefings. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 In early March, CISA — which is nested inside the Department of Homeland Security — cut more than $10 million in funding to two critical cybersecurity intelligence-sharing programs that helped detect and deter cyberattacks and that alerted state and local governments about them. David E. Sanger, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The advisory also tells travelers to be alert in places where there isn't private security, like vacation rentals. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 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, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Margaret Atwood’s dystopian allegorical novel didn’t over-explain the U.S.’ descent into fascist theocracy and thus left itself open to interpretation — so open that even American conservatives were able to claim it as a warning about Muslim fundamentalism.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
  • After Trump's announcement on Wednesday, some Wall Street firms voiced warnings about a possible recession.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Take the quiz here … TOURIST TERROR – US embassy in hot spot issues assault warning for women renting jet skis.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This rare dissent comes as the stock market shows signs of volatility, and economists warn the tariffs could trigger a recession.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 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
  • Dawn Staley, who’s undefeated in NCAA finals, is cautious in taking that fact into consideration.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Those with heart conditions, including a recent heart attack or stroke, should also be cautious about taking medications that contain PDE5 inhibitors.30 The safety and side effects of the ingredients in ExtenZe have not been studied in clinical trials.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By automating the most repetitive, time-consuming tasks with intelligent, autonomous AI employees, Artisan is redefining what productivity looks like for go-to-market teams.
    Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Everything about this washer dryer is convenient, including the intelligent dispenser that holds enough detergent and softener for up to 32 loads.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • App Store updates Those looking for apps in the App Store can see summaries from user reviews to get a quick look at what others are saying, Apple said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In warmer climates, for example, the liquid expands and contracts more rapidly, which can lead to a quicker extraction of flavors from the barrel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than 3 million people were under tornado watches in the region Friday afternoon.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
  • However, not every implementation of offline maps in a watch is equal.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But being vigilant and seeking medical attention at the first sign of the illness—which is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same culprit behind chicken pox—can make a big difference in your recovery.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But this is just one of several ways the Trump administration is targeting the PSLF program — so borrowers on track for loan forgiveness must continue to remain vigilant.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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