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 of watchful

• alert
• vigilant
• awake
• careful

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

Her husband, one of the top high school baseball coaches in the country, kept a watchful eye. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026

But, for older men with no pain or discomfort, doctors may suggest watchful waiting, delaying surgery until the need is clear. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

Mattel Under the watchful eye of the very nice, very evil Danhausen, the Mattel WWE Elite Squad presents a panel packed with action figure reveals, exclusive announcements, and WWE Superstar guests. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Harry and Meghan attended the queen's funeral, under the glare of the ever watchful British tabloids. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

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