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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchful
National Hurricane Center eyeing possible storm Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center was keeping a watchful eye on the Gulf for possible tropical development this week.
—
John Bacon, USA Today, 16 July 2025
Techniques passed down through generations, refined through repetition and perfected under the watchful eye of a woman who demanded excellence.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
In it, rooms filled with monitors show simulated airplanes taxiing on runways and taking off – all under the watchful eyes of students learning to keep the flying public safe.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
John Bacon, USA Today, 16 July 2025
Techniques passed down through generations, refined through repetition and perfected under the watchful eye of a woman who demanded excellence.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
In it, rooms filled with monitors show simulated airplanes taxiing on runways and taking off – all under the watchful eyes of students learning to keep the flying public safe.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
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That posting actually references a much older threat, one that was first flagged by the FBI public service announcement, alert number I-091223-PSA, way back in September 2023.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain.—
Andrew Ford,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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This same accident-prone influence might apply to your pet, so be vigilant.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
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Maine State Police are warning the community to stay vigilant but have not divulged the cause of death or any details about the crime scene, leaving Stewart’s family with questions and nearby residents with fears that a killer may be among them.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Without answers, the questions would keep them awake at night.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
30 July 2025
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By contrast, doing some movement in the back half of the day may delay your circadian rhythm a bit, which could benefit early birds who are looking to stay awake later into the night.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Both pranking and writing are exercises in careful observation.—
Katie Yee
July 25,
Literary Hub,
25 July 2025
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However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance.—
John Arsneault,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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