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 Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 At that time, the removal of 10 crab apple trees that the late horticulturist’s Bunny Mellon had included in her transformation of the Rose Garden under former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s watchful eyes prompted much criticism. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026 The pool team was dressed smartly and kept a watchful eye out for the occasional storm cloud. — Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
  1. alert
  2. vigilant
  3. awake
  4. careful
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
  • 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
  • Getting to that point required careful control of stress during fabrication.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Huntsinger, playing along with Variety’s should-win/will-win Emmy prediction game, drew a careful line.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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