alert 1 of 3

Definition of alertnext

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

1
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

4

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
The National Weather Service has issued numerous alerts, including freeze warnings and extreme cold warnings. Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 27 Jan. 2026 Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
The teen checked the door, saw a man and alerted the 44-year-old man, who was sleeping in the apartment. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026 Even though just three can alert to an emergency, many more are needed to understand what is behind those emergencies. Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Weather officials are urging residents to stay alert as forecasts are refined in the coming days. Troy Bridges, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 Once removed, the puppy was visibly coated in mud but alert and responsive, signaling a successful rescue. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
  • Authorities previously issued warnings after multiple people reported animal sightings near the hotel the day before, according to Jam Press.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Rather than simply issuing audible or visual warnings, the car may adjust cabin lighting, seat position, climate control, or gradually come to a complete stop automatically.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit, the State Emergency Service warned.
    AAMER MADHANI AND SUSIE BLANN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But Michael warned the new structure is vulnerable to Hamas manipulation, with the group likely to exploit any new setup.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So, does this feel any different, and will the luminosity keep you awake at night?
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
  • When cold nights keep you awake, a heated mattress pad can make all the difference.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The anticipated move would end a string of three consecutive quarter-point rate cuts, aligning with a cautious approach outlined by Powell last month, before reports of the investigation into his conduct.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Still, more cautious analysts have flagged weaker activity in China.
    Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.
    Klaus Schwab, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Financial reality is often presented as comfortable in an Instagram post, or a quick tweet where the reality of the artist is the commodity being sold.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • However, one quick look at what companies like Boston Dynamics has achieved with robots like the rather creepy dog-like ‘Spot,’ who herds sheep in New Zealand, and the possibilities seem endless.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • More than 28 million people across the Southeast are under winter storm watches and warnings, including parts of northern Georgia, the Carolinas and southern Virginia.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Frankie Muniz isn't afraid to be everyone's comfort watch.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on alert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!