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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 vigilant
Colby Pope, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, implored people to stay home if possible and remain vigilant, citing the potential for flooded roads and bad driving conditions.
—
Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Affordable housing developers need to be especially vigilant this year as tariffs take hold, said Joy Aruguete, chief executive officer of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
While the law itself stands firm, its power has always depended on vigilant enforcement.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night and be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Affordable housing developers need to be especially vigilant this year as tariffs take hold, said Joy Aruguete, chief executive officer of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
While the law itself stands firm, its power has always depended on vigilant enforcement.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night and be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilant
Adjective
-
The Suncoast region is seeing particularly high alert levels.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In these cases, being alert to others’ moods became a survival strategy.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Consider a 4-year-old who has been awake for 16,000 hours, LeCun suggests.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Neighbors initially complained about the gunshot-style sound of the flag flapping in the wind and keeping them awake at night.—
David Staats,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rand and Egwene forge their own path under Moiraine's watchful eye.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
For now, the babies are being kept out of public view in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House, under the watchful eye of the animal care team.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Although careful planning is essential, action generates momentum.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Overall, Coney Barrett took a very careful route, avoiding the more strident criticism of the Trump administration while siding with the liberals in criticizing the Supreme Court majority for agreeing to take the case.—
Sean O'Driscoll,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Monitoring the group and being aware of social dynamics has been a helpful and normal thing for humans evolutionarily, Heitmayer said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vigilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilant. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share