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

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 Instead, Edler’s calmly watchful film — premiering in the main competition at IDFA, and sure to travel further on the strength of its sharp gaze and topical heft — trusts in viewers to see the national forest for the trees. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 The former president led through hard work and kept a watchful eye out for anyone slacking off. —

Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 Under the watchful eyes of a teacher who was tasked with looking after the kids’ welfare, Grimes went to work with some of the masters of Hollywood’s Golden Age. —

Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Dec. 2024 After a two-month trial at Atlanta and under the watchful eye of Woosnam, by then the Chiefs’ manager, Mwila signed permanently. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for watchful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful

Adjective

Myriad problems have plagued Los Angeles County’s alert system as wildfires keep torching America’s most populous county.

— Holly Yan, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Firefighters are still battling two monstrous wildfires that have burned for over a week as weary residents across Los Angeles County stayed alert for another round of Santa Ana winds on Wednesday.

— Sam Morgen, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025