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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Everyone has the Trump Administration under a watchful eye as the tariffs imposed on the United States’ closest allies were set to go into effect. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025 There are reasons to be watchful of the relationship between the tech industry and the Right. Tech billionaires dream of reinventing our world. —

Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Feb. 2025 The family enjoyed the grass and the water, the babies grazing under Mom’s watchful side gaze while the dad did his laps. —

Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 His subjects are usually men, but under the watchful eye of Ian, they are shown embodying both their masculine and feminine auras. —

Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for watchful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful

Adjective

Impostor websites Consumers should always be alert for impostor websites, from fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites.

— Jan Diaz, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Law enforcement veteran issues warning to Americans as Chilean home invasions on rise Michael Barbieri, a law enforcement veteran, says Americans need to stay alert and be prepared as the people breaking into wealthy homes are not 'normal criminals.

— Stepheny Price, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025