open-eyed

adjective

ˌō-pən-ˈīd How to pronounce open-eyed (audio)
Definition of open-eyednext
as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity an open-eyed deer cautiously grazed in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 open-eyed However, any moments that would be guaranteed to be grim end up being almost benign, as dead bodies are intact, have strangely unemotional, open-eyed faces, and almost seem like mannequins buried under mud and sand. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 An open-eyed believer in a future of sunlight, even with storm clouds and meteors on the horizon. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026 Her debut full-length, al romper la burbuja, features 14 songs that speak to the daily angst of a 21-year-old navigating the world with open-eyed curiosity. — Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 July 2025 Without their glowing, open-eyed performances, often shown in extremely tight close-ups, the film might have floated off like the green fairy from the absinthe bottle. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025 For Hazony, the common good can be divined from an open-eyed examination of history and nature. — Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open-eyed
  1. awake
  2. alert
  3. vigilant
  4. watchful
  5. wide-awake
Adjective
  • Evie stayed awake all night, playing the child’s words in her head.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Varadarajan says the awake-surgery approach won't replace traditional anesthesia for most patients.
    — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of awake
Adjective
  • Once the plane lost radio and radar contact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert notice.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For example, officials are urging Americans traveling to Israel to reconsider their plans and to remain alert as security conditions can change quickly.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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
  • Views extend to the valley of the Kosi River on one side and the Binsar Forest on the other, all under the watchful gaze of the upper Himalayas, including the divine Nanda Devi peak.
    — Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Located at the very north end of Napa Valley, the winery has changed hands a few times but today it is owned by Jackson Family Wines and is under the watchful eye of Barbara Banke and her children.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • The slim, precision wand grips even the straightest lashes, creating a wide-awake, lash-lift effect in just one coat.
    — Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
  • From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Definition of wide-awake

Browse Nearby Words

open-ended
open-eyed
openhanded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open-eyed. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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