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

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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

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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

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
Longo appears to blame social-media users for alerting the DEC to Peanut. Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Carlos Mazon, the president of the Valencia’s regional government, defended his administration amid accusations that authorities failed to alert residents on time. Lauren Kent, CNN, 1 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
  • Weather conditions triggered red flag warnings Tuesday in the Northeast and firefighters in California continued to battle a large wildfire that has burned over 20,000 acres.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • After a dry week marked by red flag warnings signaling fire danger and the threat of power shutoffs for some, rain was forecast to shower the Bay Area on and off through the end of the week.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 11 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
  • Tangent Icelandic officials warned about gas pollution from the eruption that could affect nearby towns.
    Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But that isn’t to say jolting awake shortly after turning out the lights is cause to schedule an MRI scan.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Here Catherine is again, unable to stay awake and protect her son.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 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
  • 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
  • In one instance, a man survived a gunshot only due to his pocket watch deflecting the bullet, while another joined the Union army after deserting the Confederacy.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 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 28 Nov. 2024.

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