Meaning & use

alert

adjective·Everyday

Quick to notice things, especially signs of danger, and ready to respond immediately.

See it in a sentence

The night guard stayed alert throughout his shift, watching every entrance carefully.

A good driver remains alert to pedestrians, cyclists, and sudden changes in traffic.

A note on using this word

Alert is often followed by 'to' when naming what is being watched for, as in 'alert to danger.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

inattentive

Another way to use it

2. noun

A warning about a possible danger, threat, or urgent situation.

The weather service issued an alert warning residents about the approaching storm.

3. verb

To warn someone about a danger or problem so they can respond quickly.

A neighbor alerted the family to the smoke coming from their garage.

Make it your own

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