Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wide-awake contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wide-awake are alert, vigilant, and watchful. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to wide-awake?

Although the words alert and wide-awake have much in common, alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When could vigilant be used to replace wide-awake?

The synonyms vigilant and wide-awake are sometimes interchangeable, but vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

In what contexts can watchful take the place of wide-awake?

While in some cases nearly identical to wide-awake, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

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 wide-awake The relationship appears now irreparable, sounding the alarm on the most wide-awake RB sleeper in years. John Laghezza, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 The cognitive muscle work of creativity—of art and scientific research and philosophical insight—is all conducted by wide-awake thinkers. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025 The lightweight formula melts in easily, plays well with makeup, and gives you a wide-awake glow, even on the most tired undereyes. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 July 2025 Then, the video transitioned to a completely different scene—Cody, wide-awake, barking and howling, pacing around the house, and even chewing household items. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Swipe it on the inner corners of your eyes for an instant eye-brightening, wide-awake effect. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025 Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart, and Sebastian Stan films hit Sundance 2024: See the full lineup MIDNIGHT From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 For wide-awake eyes, Mrs. Bieber swipes on Kosas’ Revealer Concealer, which is another multipurpose product. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 20 Sep. 2024 Forgotten that prayer is a kind of wide-awake drift toward God. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide-awake
Adjective
  • Camera flashes burst against the walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, framing Blade Runner–esque vistas of the flickering skyline, a winking reminder that New York City is always wide awake.
    Alex Catarinella, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • However, some expressed concern over the fact that OP is sleeping while his baby daughter is still awake.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Knowing these risk factors can encourage individuals to be more alert about suicide.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Both Stewart and Kalitta were alert and exited their cars under their own power.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tips to Break the Bedtime Screen Habit Dr. Verma, who was not involved in the research, offers the following tips to prevent wakeful effects from smartphones and get better sleep: Avoid screens 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Lauren Goode: Who among us doesn't want to have a nap gently guided by our wakeful rhythm?
    Lauren Goode, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In an era of frequent job changes, staying vigilant about your 401(k)s is essential.
    Brian Menickella, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Be vigilant about rooting them out until the first hard frost kills them.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Caption with Intention has been a project in the pipeline since 2019 under the watchful eye of Bruno Mazzotti, an Executive Creative Director at FCB Chicago who, having grown up in Brazil with two deaf parents, identifies as a real-life CODA as in the 2022 Oscar-winning film of the same title.
    Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Nine other members of the American team are there, under the watchful eye of Bradley and his vice-captains.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wide-awake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide-awake. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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