watchful

1 of 2

adjective

watch·​ful ˈwäch-fəl How to pronounce watchful (audio)
ˈwȯch-
Synonyms of watchfulnext
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 How to pronounce watchful (audio)
ˈwȯch-
adverb
watchfulness noun

watchfulness

2 of 2

noun

watch·​ful·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being watchful

Synonyms of watchful

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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

Adjective 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
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.
Adjective
In most cases, Nathan explains, that patient lands in watchful waiting, repeating CT scans every six to 12 months, sometimes for years. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 At that time, the removal of 10 crab apple trees that the late horticulturist’s Bunny Mellon had included in her transformation of the Rose Garden under former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s watchful eyes prompted much criticism. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchful

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchful was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing watchful

Browse Nearby Words

watch for
watchful
watchfully
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Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchful. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

watchful

adjective
watch·​ful ˈwäch-fəl How to pronounce watchful (audio)
ˈwȯch-
: continually on the lookout especially for danger
watchfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce watchful (audio)
adverb
watchfulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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