1
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
the white flash of the doe's raised tail, giving the "danger" alert to her fawns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
the doctor told the patient to be on the alert for any signs of infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
she needed to stay alert throughout the train ride so as not to miss her stop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
warned us to be alert to the presence of pickpockets on the crowded bus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation
an alert force of commandos, ready to go on a mission at a moment's notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of alert
Velvet Wu
july 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 July 2026
While a shelter-in-place alert has not lifted, many guests are returning to reclaim their soggy seats.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2026
But tracing exactly where neutrinos come from when detectors such as Antarctica’s IceCube Neutrino Observatory alert their presence has proven more difficult for astronomers.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 June 2026
Always alert to mood swings, Hollywood this week is coping with some dauntingly positive portents.
—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Noun
Nearly 657,000 early-warning alerts were sent through the MyShake app.
—
Velvet Wu
july 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 July 2026
While a shelter-in-place alert has not lifted, many guests are returning to reclaim their soggy seats.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Verb
Someone alerted authorities about the trailer in August 2022 after seeing small fingers reaching through gaps in the doors.
—
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2026
But tracing exactly where neutrinos come from when detectors such as Antarctica’s IceCube Neutrino Observatory alert their presence has proven more difficult for astronomers.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Adjective
Late in the day, stay alert to avoid something unexpected that impacts your money and possessions.
—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 June 2026
Always alert to mood swings, Hollywood this week is coping with some dauntingly positive portents.
—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alert
Noun
-
Topical hormone treatments like vaginal estrogen, from which the FDA recently removed a warning label, are becoming commonplace.
-
This will be elevated to an extreme heat warning by Monday or Tuesday, and cooling centers will be opened.
Noun
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But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.
-
Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift.
Verb
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The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.
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Avila's family sued Tesla last week, alleging her death resulted from the company's gross negligence and failure to warn consumers that its self-driving systems were defective.
Adjective
-
For example, don’t lay awake at night thinking about tomorrow's tasks.
-
Maybe staying awake to novel experiences is the key to vitality.
Adjective
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Consumer confidence ticked up in June after weeks of anxiety tied to the conflict, though people remain cautious as worries about jobs and prices persist.
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Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
Adjective
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The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone.
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His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous.
Adjective
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Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
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But upon closer inspection Mbiya appears significantly leaner and quicker.
Noun
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Epstein said the stunt doubles as a virtual watch party for fans who couldn't make it to New York.
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The consumer version compresses that same idea into a ring, watch or app.
Cite this Entry
“Alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alert. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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