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

Moments of anonymity were few and far between for Taylor, who was also under the watchful eye of Larry during that time. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026

Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Eufy Indoor Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your pets and living space with the dual-lens Eufy S350 4K Indoor Security Camera. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

The sanctuary gave her space to socialize and play in a setting close to her natural habitat under the watchful eyes of adoptive gorilla mothers. — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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