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
Relevance
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 watchful
The new set will let builders assemble the mischievous supernatural messenger and his watchful bird companion.
—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Now a mother of two, Diana spent much of the celebration in 1985 holding Harry while keeping a watchful eye on her eldest son.
—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
In either case, the meteors literally bring their far-distant, otherwise-inaccessible parent bodies down to Earth, where watchful scientists can better study them.
—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
Under the watchful gaze of head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his teammates went through drills as the temperature hovered around a humid 90 degrees.
—
Emily Curiel,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Now a mother of two, Diana spent much of the celebration in 1985 holding Harry while keeping a watchful eye on her eldest son.
—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
In either case, the meteors literally bring their far-distant, otherwise-inaccessible parent bodies down to Earth, where watchful scientists can better study them.
—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
Under the watchful gaze of head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his teammates went through drills as the temperature hovered around a humid 90 degrees.
—
Emily Curiel,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
-
And many key aspects of society rely on the data centers that have been built over the decades, serving websites, handling online purchases and delivering emails, text messages and alert notices.
-
During an air quality alert day, state environmental authorities recommend to avoid strenuous outdoor activities as much as possible, especially people who have existing health conditions such as heart disease or asthma.
Adjective
-
Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
-
Consumers are advised to be vigilant and avoid using debit cards for online purchases due to less fraud protection.
Adjective
-
For example, don’t lay awake at night thinking about tomorrow's tasks.
-
Maybe staying awake to novel experiences is the key to vitality.
Adjective
-
Determination and careful calculations — hold on, carry the 2 — are a must.
-
Graduate students face lower federal limits and the loss of Grad PLUS, requiring careful financial planning.
Cite this Entry
“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
