Synonyms of watch

watch 1 of 2

verb

ˈwäch 

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

• observe
• eye
• follow
• see
• view
• stare
• monitor
• look
• guard
• gaze
• have one's eye on
• gawk
• study
• behold
• look on
• perceive
• peer
• gape
• regard
• wake
• spy
• glimpse
• peek
• glare
• rubberneck
• ward
• goggle
• peep
• bird-dog
• glance
• espy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blink
• wink

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

• follow
• note
• observe
• obey
• listen (to)
• heed
• regard
• consider
• respect
• hear
• contemplate
• mind
• see
• keep
• weigh
• ponder
• conform (to)
• notice
• comply (with)
• attend (to)
• mull
• mark
• hearken (to)
• hark (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• dismiss
• tune out
• pass over
• neglect
• scorn
• discount
• brush (aside or off)
• gloss (over)
• shrug off
• defy
• flout
• slight
• pooh-pooh
• gloze (over)
• snub

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

• monitor
• cover
• observe
• keep an eye on
• view
• look
• see
• stare
• notice
• eye
• sight
• spy
• witness
• note
• surveil
• gaze
• glimpse
• behold
• peek
• peer
• regard
• gape
• peep
• gawk
• espy
• glance
• glare
• rubberneck
• goggle

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

• care
• mind
• notice
• attend
• observe
• look out (for)
• regard
• feel (for)
• heed
• note
• sympathize (with)
• empathize (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• overlook

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

• supervise
• oversee
• attend
• manage
• tend
• protect
• look after
• guard
• operate
• see to
• control
• run
• care (for)
• mind
• see after
• conduct
• guide
• superintend
• take care of
• govern
• regulate
• direct
• safeguard
• patrol
• mother
• preside (over)
• shield
• baby
• administrate
• steward
• babysit
• shepherd
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forget
• ignore
• abandon
• disregard
• pass over
• neglect

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

• guard
• guardian
• custodian
• keeper
• warden
• watcher
• sentinel
• lookout
• picket
• patrol
• sentry
• watchman
• bodyguard
• observer
• warder
• minder
• defender
• escort
• honor guard
• spotter
• watchdog
• convoy
• surveillant
• gatekeeper
• hack

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

• watchfulness
• alert
• vigilance
• alertness
• attentiveness
• red alert
• mindfulness
• qui vive
• consciousness
• awareness
• sensitivity
• preparation
• readiness
• care
• receptiveness
• receptivity
• aliveness
• chariness
• cautiousness
• wariness
• carefulness
• heedfulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distraction
• daze
• daydreaming
• absorption
• preoccupation
• abstraction
• engrossment
• absentmindedness
• obliviousness
• unconsciousness
• inattention
• carelessness
• unawareness
• inattentiveness
• heedlessness
• inobservance
• unwariness

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

• lookout
• surveillance
• vigil
• observation
• inspection
• supervision
• observance
• scrutiny

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of watch

Verb

Its most dramatic outdoor feature is said to be the highest open-air public observation deck at any Chinese airport, giving travelers a rare chance to step outside and watch aircraft moving across the runways below. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026

Sherri Shepherd looks cute in polka dots to watch Tracee Ellis Ross make her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing on July 16 in New York City. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Noun

The platform will convert audience watch-time on the title directly into charitable giving, extending the film’s impact well beyond its theatrical run. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Ryan, looking down at a shiny Rolex watch inside a box, shook his head. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Phrases Containing watch

• watch (for)
• watch out (for)
• watch over