watchful

1 of 2

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

watchfulness

2 of 2

noun

watch·​ful·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being watchful

Synonyms of watchful

Adjective

• 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

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

Adjective

King, ever watchful, hired a music attorney who inked her husband’s record deal. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Under the watchful eye of general manager and culinary director Roberto Montalvo, dishes now bridge American influences, trends, and preferences with traditional Mexican sensibilities. — Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

At low emotional tide, Sessa’s Tony can also be watchful and quiet. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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