1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
drove through the fog with extra alertness, as the road signs repeatedly warned of deer and moose crossings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
we observed the U.S. border patrol's intensified alertness for drug smugglers at the border stations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alertness
In some cases, people who were previously deficient in certain B vitamins may notice a sudden increase in energy or alertness once supplementation begins.
—
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
The screens influenced more than her alertness.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
This pattern activates the energizing side of the nervous system—increasing alertness, supporting oxygen uptake and creating a focused, ready state.
—
Sherry McAllister,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Green tea has caffeine and L-theanine (an amino acid), both of which improve alertness.
—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 June 2026
Jennifer Martin, a professor at Florida International University's College of Medicine, explains that chronotypes are driven by the circadian rhythm—the body's internal clock that regulates sleep, alertness, and other essential daily functions.
—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
The body adapts to the daily dose, blunting caffeine’s impact on blood pressure, mental alertness and exercise performance.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
High-energy visible light plays a role in alertness, memory, cognitive function and mood regulation, and it is even used as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the Raleigh Eye Center.
—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones which increase alertness and reaction speed, are also released, but there is a fine balance between readiness and unreadiness.
—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
The screens influenced more than her alertness.
—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
This pattern activates the energizing side of the nervous system—increasing alertness, supporting oxygen uptake and creating a focused, ready state.
—
Sherry McAllister,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Green tea has caffeine and L-theanine (an amino acid), both of which improve alertness.
—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 June 2026
Jennifer Martin, a professor at Florida International University's College of Medicine, explains that chronotypes are driven by the circadian rhythm—the body's internal clock that regulates sleep, alertness, and other essential daily functions.
—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
The body adapts to the daily dose, blunting caffeine’s impact on blood pressure, mental alertness and exercise performance.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
High-energy visible light plays a role in alertness, memory, cognitive function and mood regulation, and it is even used as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the Raleigh Eye Center.
—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones which increase alertness and reaction speed, are also released, but there is a fine balance between readiness and unreadiness.
—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
Noun
-
This carefulness is clearly strategic.
-
There was no carefulness in it.
Noun
-
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.
Noun
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But water also carries the potential for danger, and parents who have lost a child to drowning are begging families to use caution.
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The boil-water notice was issued out an abundance of caution, the LADWP said, as additional testing is being done and samples collected.
Noun
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Constant vigilance and education around water safety is essential.
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When people understand the stakes and see peers celebrated for vigilance, the habit forms itself.
Noun
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The government sets prices One basic reason why doctors earn a lot is that medical care costs a lot, researchers say.
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Talat’s mocktails display the same thoughtfulness, intention and care as the food.
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.
Noun
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But not necessarily the knowledge, confidence or contacts to take it to next stage of monetization, strike collaborative partnerships or exercise operational prudence.
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Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting.
Noun
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Newer models have advanced driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
Cite this Entry
“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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