watchful

adjective

ˈwäch-fəl How to pronounce watchful (audio)
Definition of watchfulnext
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity the toddler played under the watchful eye of her parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective watchful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of watchful are alert, vigilant, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When could alert be used to replace watchful?

Although the words alert and watchful have much in common, alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

Where would vigilant be a reasonable alternative to watchful?

The meanings of vigilant and watchful largely overlap; however, vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

When is wide-awake a more appropriate choice than watchful?

The words wide-awake and watchful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 watchful The pool team was dressed smartly and kept a watchful eye out for the occasional storm cloud. — Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 The footage offers a peek into Kio’s surroundings, including zebra and giraffe neighbors who tower over the cub, and smaller animals who keep a watchful eye on the growing big cat. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 The kids all played together outside and at each other’s homes, under the watchful eyes of parents who all knew one another, Johnston said. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 The kids in The Shards might benefit from an occasional watchful eye, if only their parents weren’t vacationing in Europe indefinitely. — Rob Haskell, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
  1. alert
  2. vigilant
  3. awake
  4. careful
Adjective
  • Police are encouraging people to stay alert, especially when returning home.
    — Jermont Terry, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Sources at the club say no players want to leave while other voices say Madrid remain alert to opportunities in the market.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of alert
Adjective
  • Authorities in Indiana are warning residents to be vigilant after a person reported spotting a several-hundred-pound lioness and a large cub roaming in one central county.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As arousal rises, the brain becomes temporarily more vigilant and focused.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of vigilant
Adjective
  • Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and product ranges, has clients who stay awake long into the night, comparing photos before and after shedding events.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In September, a driver was seen appearing to doze off as a train accelerated to 50 mph before the operator was jolted awake.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of awake
Adjective
  • Apply the serum directly to sparse areas of your brows, being careful to avoid letting the product touch other areas of your skin.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • According to the researchers, careful process design and optimization as well as architecture simplification could help in solving most of these issues, something that industrial production focuses on much more than academic researchers.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of careful

Browse Nearby Words

watch (for)
watchful
watchfulness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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