watch 1 of 2

verb

ˈwäch How to pronounce watch (audio)
Definition of watchnext
1
as in to observe
to keep one's eyes on I turned my head to continue watching the bird as it flew away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to follow
to take notice of and be guided by watch what I do when I run into that kind of problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to monitor
to pay continued close attention to (something) for a particular purpose watched the situation to see if it improved

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to care
to have an interest or concern for you should watch what you eat if you want a long, healthy life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to supervise
to take charge of especially on behalf of another hired a high school girl to watch their daughter until they got home from work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

watch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in guard
a person or group that watches over someone or something the neighborhood crime watch

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of activity, opportunity, or danger kept a watch over the sick baby

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lookout
an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity the little boy kept watch at the window for signs of Santa and his sleigh

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of watch
Verb
Top marketers will pay a premium to reach multiple generations of a family watching a big event together. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 July 2026 Kirk’s widow, Erika, clutched a tissue and watched intently as a person said to be Robinson ran across the roof. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
Noun
Stay updated on tornado watches and warnings by tuning in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026 Join Robb Report at Crockfords Las Vegas to experience the electric energy of a World Cup watch party like no other. — Mark David, Robb Report, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for watch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watch
  1. observe
  2. follow
  3. monitor
  4. care
  5. supervise
  6. guard
  7. watchfulness
  8. lookout
Verb
  • While birdwatching typically refers to casually observing birds, birding is a more intentional and accessible hobby focused on identifying species and learning about their behavior.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • Reimagined through the language of garment construction, Wong’s artwork becomes something to be worn rather than simply observed, serving as a reminder that art doesn’t have to be confined to a gallery wall.
    — Roddy Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of observe
Verb
  • The move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Her two youngest children, 5-year-old Raúl and 9-year-old Ximena, wanted to follow in the footsteps of their oldest brother and play soccer.
    — PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of follow
Verb
  • In a provocation to the Forest Service officers monitoring the blockade, the slightest nudging threatened to send the edifice crashing to the ground and Tubbs to his maiming or death.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Waymo's cars, equipped with an array of cameras, microphones and other sensors to monitor passengers and other nearby vehicles, are becoming more common in cities across the United States.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 10 July 2026
Definition of monitor
Verb
  • Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • When freedom becomes the dominant word, the underlying structure that the founders cared about becomes less visible.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026
Definition of care
Verb
  • Adults should closely supervise children around water and avoid distractions such as reading, using a phone, or other activities that take attention away from swimmers, the agency states on its website.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Illinois resident Mwite Emily Kasanga, who went by Emily, died at 34 after allegedly choking on food when her care team failed to supervise her eating despite known risks, according to a July 6 complaint obtained by PEOPLE.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of supervise
Noun
  • Former Houston standout guard Kingston Flemings hit a deep jumper — his toe was ruled on the 3-point line — with three seconds left in OT, slicing Utah’s lead to one, 100-99.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
  • Tempers flared late in the fourth quarter when Kings center Dylan Cardwell and Nets guard Egor Demin wrestled for a loose ball.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • But the book’s ruminative watchfulness is unsuccessfully conjugated in this overly sedate play with music, which has the feel of a song cycle, though sung by the fine cast with gorgeous, lonely sorrow.
    — Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
Definition of watchfulness
Noun
  • While sales across the company have been flat in recent years, Weidner has been on the lookout to acquire struggling breweries that would dovetail with his expanding operation.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • First-timers should head straight to Mather Point for the initial lookout, then walk a portion of the Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Definition of lookout

Phrases Containing watch

Browse Nearby Words

wastrels
watch
watchdog
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Cite this Entry

“Watch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watch. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on watch

Nglish: Translation of watch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about watch

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