as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
the night watchman, who was usually vigilant, apparently dozed off and didn't notice the vandals sneaking in
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Recent Examples of vigilant
The verdict against Madigan, once the leader of the state’s Democratic Party and the holder of a national record 36 years as speaker, could be viewed in many quarters as a vigilant effort to clean up government.
—
Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
The bottom line: McAfee advises staying vigilant if a potential romantic partner asks for financial help or resists phone and video calls.
—Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
The Israel Security Agency, known as the Shin Bet, has taken over the investigation, and police have urged the public to remain vigilant.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
But the industry must remain vigilant to keep its own safety net intact.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
The bottom line: McAfee advises staying vigilant if a potential romantic partner asks for financial help or resists phone and video calls.
—Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
The Israel Security Agency, known as the Shin Bet, has taken over the investigation, and police have urged the public to remain vigilant.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
But the industry must remain vigilant to keep its own safety net intact.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
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In the era of Tame Impala and Arcade Fire, these three tracks sound eerily prescient – more alert and vital than your average 53 year-old archaeological artifact.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2025
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Pre-bedtime activities should not be vigorous or engaging enough to make the body and mind more alert.—
Amy Kwan,
Verywell Health,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Blue light from screens and other sources can keep your brain awake and interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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The idea is to match daylight to the period that most people are awake.—
Callum Booth,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Guests—including Keira Knightley in Chanel Couture, Gigi Hadid in a Moschino-meets-Midas masterpiece by Jeremy Scott, and Carla Bruni in archival Fall 1995 Galliano—had already spent the evening dining under the watchful eyes of classical sculptures.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
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Every second a business is offline costs money, frustrates customers, alarms investors and draws the watchful eye of regulators.—
Karthik Sj,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
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In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many homeowners are aware of the electrical box but might not understand what the numerous switches do and might feel intimidated by the idea of working with electricity.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2025
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While most individuals are obviously aware of cyber attacks and their consequences, consistent preparation, and resilience-building are the keys to long-term success.—
James Hadley,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to vigilant
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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