qui vive

noun

kē-ˈvēv How to pronounce qui vive (audio)
Definition of qui vivenext
as in watch
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger an army on the qui vive for enemy attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for qui vive
  1. watch
  2. watchfulness
  3. alert
Noun
  • Netanyahu’s opponents said he should be held accountable for the security failures that occurred on his watch and have demanded a commission of inquiry.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The president, meanwhile, has been trying to rally voters around the country, touting the economy as strong while downplaying the extent of inflation under his watch.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Hechinger, all raw nerve and watchfulness, announces himself as a star.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The multiple heads can be said to represent divine watchfulness of the world and devotees.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchfulness
Noun
  • An alert that a submittal is approved does not answer every question about whether work should proceed.
    — Nikhil Chandankhede, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The alert is for Northern Craven, Southern Craven and Inland Onslow as well as Martin, Pitt, Washington, Greene, Beaufort, Duplin, Lenoir and Jones counties.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of alert
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.

Browse Nearby Words

quivers
qui vive
quixote
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Cite this Entry

“Qui vive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qui%20vive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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