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 While employees in the office might kill time messaging friends or flipping through TikTok, remote workers take advantage of being far from the watchful gaze of bosses to chip away at personal to-do lists or to goof off. —

Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024 Lindor, keeping a watchful eye on the play, re-applied the tag, and this time Ohtani was called out. —

Dan Freedman, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Her energy was calm, welcoming, and watchful, taking everything in. —

Reshma B, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2024 The housemates will live under the watchful eye of Big Brother 24 hours a day and avoid nomination from their fellow housemates and eviction from the public vote. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for watchful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful

Adjective

Bucks that seem alert and nervous — look for twitchy ears and a constantly bobbing head — are more likely to detect you movement and are also more likely to duck arrows.

Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Other cultures took naps during the day to adapt to intense midday temperatures or feel more alert during nighttime dangers.

Carley Millhone, Health, 31 Oct. 2024