# Alert Words
Zulip allows you to define custom alert words and phrases.
When they are used in any stream you are subscribed to, it works
similarly to being [@-mentioned](/help/at-mention-a-team-member)
by another user.

## Adding Alert Words
1.  Click the cog (![cog](/static/images/help/cog.png)) in the upper
right corner of the right sidebar.
2.  Select **Settings** from the dropdown menu that appears.
    ![Settings dropdown](/static/images/help/settings-dropdown-menu.png)

3.  Scroll down until you reach the **Custom Alert Words** section.

    ![Custom Alert Words](/static/images/help/settings-custom-alerts.png)

4.  Type the word/phrase you wish to be notified for into the text box,
    then click the **Add Alert Word** button.

Once these steps are completed, you should see something similar to:

![Alert Settings](/static/images/help/settings-custom-alerts-sample.png)

If any alert words are mentioned, they will be highlighted within the message,
and you will be alerted in accordance with your notification settings.

![Example Notification](/static/images/help/alert-word-notification-example.png)

## Removing Alert Words

Alert Words can be removed easily in the settings menu, by clicking the
red bin button (![Trash Can](/static/images/help/delete-button.png))
next to the word/phrase to be deleted.