Synonym Chooser

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 With fiery romances, rivalries, and surprises—including former employee Stassi Schroeder’s watchful eye—Vanderpump Villa promises another summer of pure decadence and drama. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025 Leanne Roser, of New Lenox, kept a watchful eye over her four dogs in the backyard Thursday afternoon, two of them still energetic pups. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 The video shows a serious Red, focused on flipping the patties under the watchful eye of Hussle’s brother, Blacc Sam. While Sexyy Red flips the burgers, another member of the kitchen staff covers them with cheese. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Oh, God, protect my daughter with your watchful eye that never sleeps. Mirna Alrached, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The man appeared alert, yelling and craning his head as he was hoisted into the vehicle.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But being vigilant and seeking medical attention at the first sign of the illness—which is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same culprit behind chicken pox—can make a big difference in your recovery.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But this is just one of several ways the Trump administration is targeting the PSLF program — so borrowers on track for loan forgiveness must continue to remain vigilant.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider a 4-year-old who has been awake for 16,000 hours, LeCun suggests.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Neighbors initially complained about the gunshot-style sound of the flag flapping in the wind and keeping them awake at night.
    David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the discussion around Golden this season has been muted, strained and careful all the way to the end, Monday’s dramatic 65-63 comeback win against Houston to seize the title.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Many target companies use different software and services—Google vs. Microsoft, on-premise vs. cloud, etc. Unraveling and consolidating these technologies is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.
    David Van Ronk, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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