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

The other option is a loan deal, even a short-term deal for Liga MX’s Clausura season that runs from January through May and could offer Lozano first-team soccer under the watchful eye of Aguirre ahead of the World Cup. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025

The dull silver, which has been funded by USC, shields them from potential vandalism from UCLA students, and the Trojan Knights’ watchful eyes are ready to deter any Bruin antics. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025

As grocery prices continue to rise, many Americans are looking for ways to celebrate Thanksgiving while keeping a more-watchful eye on spending. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Survivors who have come forward aren't planning to drop the issue and remain watchful. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025

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