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

For generations, neighborhoods had park programs, church leagues, YMCAs, summer jobs, youth clubs and local hangouts where teenagers could spend time under the watchful eyes of caring adults. — Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

The new set will let builders assemble the mischievous supernatural messenger and his watchful bird companion. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 June 2026

Now a mother of two, Diana spent much of the celebration in 1985 holding Harry while keeping a watchful eye on her eldest son. — Elle Meier, InStyle, 13 June 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