watchful

adjective

watch·​ful ˈwäch-fəl 

ˈwȯch-

1

archaic

a

: not able or accustomed to sleep or rest : wakeful

b

: causing sleeplessness

c

: spent in wakefulness : sleepless

2

: carefully observant or attentive : being on the watch

watchfully

ˈwäch-fə-lē 

ˈwȯch-

adverb

watchfulness noun

Synonyms

• alert
• Argus-eyed
• attentive
• awake
• observant
• open-eyed
• tenty [Scottish]
• tentie
• vigilant
• wide-awake

Choose the Right Synonym for watchful

watchful, vigilant, wide-awake, alert mean being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity.

watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

Examples of watchful in a Sentence

We need to be more watchful of our children.

The hotel is being built under the watchful eye of its architect.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the four vampires (plus their Monster and the Guide, played by Kristen Schaal) are largely unfazed by the news, Guillermo starts to spiral, seemingly unable to accept that this is the end of everything he's worked so hard for (under the watchful eye of the cameras). —Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

The North Koreans apparently attacked in broad daylight, on foot, marching over mines under the watchful eyes of Ukrainian drones—and came under fire from drones and artillery. —David Axe, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Then, keep a watchful eye on them with the Owlet Dream Duo 2 Camera and Sock. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 29 Nov. 2024

Adjust the heat to low and keep a watchful eye, to avoid burning the butter. —The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing watchful

• keep a watchful eye on (someone or something)
• under the watchful/vigilant eye of

Kids Definition

watchful

adjective

watch·​ful ˈwäch-fəl 

ˈwȯch-

: continually on the lookout especially for danger

watchfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

watchfulness noun