Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigilant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigilant are alert, watchful, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

Where would alert be a reasonable alternative to vigilant?

The words alert and vigilant can be used in similar contexts, but alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

When is watchful a more appropriate choice than vigilant?

The meanings of watchful and vigilant largely overlap; however, watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When is it sensible to use wide-awake instead of vigilant?

Although the words wide-awake and vigilant have much in common, wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

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 vigilant Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 3 July 2025 Stay vigilant Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout. Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Fire personnel remain vigilant in monitoring the weather to adapt operational strategies accordingly. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025 Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
  • The alert impacts regions ranging from the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula to the southernmost counties, including major cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to a 2021 report by The Sun on Sunday, the Queen was kept awake at night with worry over her grandson's habit of flying helicopters, despite his training with the Royal Air Force.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 18 July 2025
  • But hiring even one bad apple can keep you awake at night and question your sanity.
    Kate Morgan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Techniques passed down through generations, refined through repetition and perfected under the watchful eye of a woman who demanded excellence.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In it, rooms filled with monitors show simulated airplanes taxiing on runways and taking off – all under the watchful eyes of students learning to keep the flying public safe.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both pranking and writing are exercises in careful observation.
    Katie Yee July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
  • However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance.
    John Arsneault, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Young musicians coming out of music schools should be aware of all the other kinds of music, and should be able to play those other types of music, because 95 percent of them will not play in symphony orchestras or as soloists.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilant

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