alertness

noun

Definition of alertnessnext
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

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 alertness As evening arrives, the body releases melatonin to signal rest while cortisol, the alertness hormone, drops. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 The replacement of old, negative patterns of thinking with pure thoughts from God, Love, requires alertness. — Linda Berckmann, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026 The lack of sleep and lack of rest wears down firefighters physically and mentally; the mental alertness, the mental sharpness is not always there, and also the burnout. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Instead of forcing a universal schedule, employees should strategically match demanding tasks to their personal periods of highest alertness. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 This meant moving outside of the traditional tableau of White House photojournalism—an orator on a pedestal—to show members of the press in postures of alertness or repose. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 The goal is to anchor the body’s rhythms, sharpen daytime alertness and improve sleep timing. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026 Also, never swim after drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other substances that can impact alertness. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alertness
  1. carefulness
  2. watchfulness
  3. caution
  4. vigilance
  5. care
  6. watch
  7. prudence
  8. alert
Noun
  • This carefulness is clearly strategic.
    — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Definition of carefulness
Noun
  • For now, the consensus among Wall Street’s economists is less alarm than watchfulness.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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.
    — Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
Definition of watchfulness
Noun
  • The rest erred on the side of caution, like a line of indecisive schoolboys queuing up for lunch and merely asking the dinner ladies for whatever their mate just ordered.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Plea negotiations are ongoing between Mangione’s attorneys and federal prosecutors, but sources familiar with the discussions caution talks remain fluid and nothing is final until it’s announced in court.
    — Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of caution
Noun
  • Nurses form the essential backbone of post-neurosurgery ICU care, providing continuous vigilance and skilled bedside assessment after complex spine and cranial procedures.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Officials across the islands are opening shelters, canceling events and urging vigilance as Lala’s impacts spread toward Maui, Oahu and Kauai, a region still scarred by recent floods.
    — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of vigilance
Noun
  • Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Korean skin-care brand shot to fame with its Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, a chunky pink stick that became nearly as recognizable for its K-drama cameos as for its skin-care benefits.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • OpenAI sees talent exodus watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • What looks like prudence to one side can look like over-caution to the other.
    — Abdulrahman Hammad, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The quake initially triggered fears of a tsunami, and a warning from Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, issuing alerts to stay away from beaches and calls for people to evacuate.
    — Jason Volack, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recent news alert for its healthcare providers noted how more children were hospitalized with influenza in the last season than in the last 16 years.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of alert

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alerting
alertness
alerts
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Cite this Entry

“Alertness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alertness. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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