WATCHFUL Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

watchful

adjective

ˈwäch-fəl

Definition of watchful next

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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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

Examples 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 North Koreans apparently attacked in broad daylight, on foot, marching over mines under the watchful eyes of Ukrainian drones—and came under fire from drones and artillery. —

David Axe, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Then, keep a watchful eye on them with the Owlet Dream Duo 2 Camera and Sock. —

Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 29 Nov. 2024 Adjust the heat to low and keep a watchful eye, to avoid burning the butter. —

The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024 Under her watchful eye, over the next 20 minutes, the children rush about, looking for specimens to view through their microscopes. —

Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for watchful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful

Adjective

Haggard said that when the family's fire alarm began chirping because of a low battery, the mastiff had an alert response.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Authorities carried out a sweep of the area, using a grid system to search for any additional explosives or suspicious items and no more IEDs were found, but the FBI continues to urge the public to remain alert and report anything unusual.

Essence, Essence, 2 Jan. 2025