as in awake
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
an open-eyed deer cautiously grazed in the backyard
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Recent Examples of open-eyed
An open-eyed believer in a future of sunlight, even with storm clouds and meteors on the horizon.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Additionally, Swift’s collaboration on Tortured Poets with the British singer Florence Welch who has reimagined herself as Beata Beatrix (Blessed Beatrice) and an open-eyed and self-aware Ophelia for her own album art, reminds us Swift has been moving in Siddall’s orbit for some time.
—Emily J. Orlando
october 1, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2025
Her debut full-length, al romper la burbuja, features 14 songs that speak to the daily angst of a 21-year-old navigating the world with open-eyed curiosity.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Without their glowing, open-eyed performances, often shown in extremely tight close-ups, the film might have floated off like the green fairy from the absinthe bottle.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
There are other open-eyed Republicans on the 2026 ballot including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024
For Hazony, the common good can be divined from an open-eyed examination of history and nature.
—Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Additionally, Swift’s collaboration on Tortured Poets with the British singer Florence Welch who has reimagined herself as Beata Beatrix (Blessed Beatrice) and an open-eyed and self-aware Ophelia for her own album art, reminds us Swift has been moving in Siddall’s orbit for some time.
—Emily J. Orlando
october 1, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2025
Her debut full-length, al romper la burbuja, features 14 songs that speak to the daily angst of a 21-year-old navigating the world with open-eyed curiosity.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Without their glowing, open-eyed performances, often shown in extremely tight close-ups, the film might have floated off like the green fairy from the absinthe bottle.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
There are other open-eyed Republicans on the 2026 ballot including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024
For Hazony, the common good can be divined from an open-eyed examination of history and nature.
—Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open-eyed
Adjective
-
In combined bites, the salty ingredients season the fresh ones, and the textures are varied enough to gently nudge the brain awake.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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During the trial, however, the jury was shown an image that depicted the 7-year-old riding in the back of Horner’s FedEx truck on her knees, while still awake and active, according to the Associated Press.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His hair is frosted at the tips, carefully tousled; his eyes are alert, amused, ever-probing.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The office, which is responsible for coordinating during emergencies, was under scrutiny following the alert failures of the Eaton fire, and officials had promised in the aftermath to revamp the small office.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Officials have recommended people stay vigilant and have an emergency plan in case of a snake bite, including knowing their location, trail names and GPS coordinates.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Parents should be extra vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gallery guards keep a watchful eye on any verboten photo taking or loud conversation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The agency said drivers would need to be in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The slim, precision wand grips even the straightest lashes, creating a wide-awake, lash-lift effect in just one coat.—
Olivia Cefalu,
InStyle,
26 Jan. 2026
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From horror flicks and wild comedies to chilling thrillers and works that defy any genre, these films will keep you wide-awake and on the edge of your seat.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Open-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open-eyed. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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