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 Catching some of the performances himself, Avett (who, like the other band members, was not in the show itself) kept a watchful eye on the moment when one of the characters sacrifices himself, over his brother, so that the others can live. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025 Mbappe’s up-and-down form Kylian Mbappe’s signing from PSG last summer brought an end to a saga that lasted multiple transfer windows and fulfilled a dream for the France forward, who took part in Madrid trials as a 14-year-old under the watchful eye of Zinedine Zidane. —

Tomás Hill López-Menchero, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Despite such programs, the Modi government has been fiscally conservative and keeps a watchful eye on inflation. —

Alex Travelli, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Alok Sahar’s Section 31 team is comprised of spies wielding a variety of skills or abilities, all under the watchful eye of Starfleet representative/hall monitor Rachel Garrett. —

Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for watchful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful

Adjective

Local officials have urged residents to stay alert and prepare for potential emergency actions if water levels rise rapidly.

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The city of Los Angeles and the Sheriff’s Department also have alert systems.

— Christopher L. Keller, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025