vigilant
9 synonyms and 8 antonyms for vigilant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Watchful and alert, especially for danger, trouble, or wrongdoing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use vigilant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
remain vigilant
stay vigilant
vigilant about
Etymology
From Latin vigilans ("staying awake"), the present participle of vigilare, from vigil ("awake").
Full origin of vigilant →Frequently asked questions
What does “vigilant” mean?
The word “vigilant” means watchful and alert, especially for danger, trouble, or wrongdoing. In plain terms, on guard and paying close attention, ready to react if something goes wrong.
How do you pronounce “vigilant”?
“Vigilant” is pronounced VIHD-zhih-luhnt (/ˈvɪd͡ʒɪlənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vigilant” in a sentence?
Here is “vigilant” used in a sentence: “Stay vigilant when walking alone at night.”
What is another word for “vigilant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vigilant” include heedful, hip, on guard, on the lookout, on the watch and on watch.
What is the opposite of “vigilant”?
The opposite of “vigilant” — its antonyms — are complacent, heedless, oblivious, unalert and unaware.
What part of speech is “vigilant”?
“Vigilant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “vigilant” come from?
The word “vigilant” comes from Latin. From Latin vigilans ("staying awake"), the present participle of vigilare, from vigil ("awake").
Is “vigilant” a common word?
“Vigilant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
