as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
the toddler played under the watchful eye of her parents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watchful
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
His Emmys keep a watchful eye from beside his TV.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 10 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, under the watchful eye of the moose’s mother, two police officers were able to pull the baby to safety.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Bader’s status Harrison Bader did some agility drills and light running in right field during Tuesday’s workout under the watchful eye of a half-dozen Phillies staff members.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
His Emmys keep a watchful eye from beside his TV.
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 10 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, under the watchful eye of the moose’s mother, two police officers were able to pull the baby to safety.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Bader’s status Harrison Bader did some agility drills and light running in right field during Tuesday’s workout under the watchful eye of a half-dozen Phillies staff members.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
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No one who is homeless and seeking shelter will be denied during the alert period.—
Sirena Bergman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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Authorities are urging the public to avoid open areas and to be alert to structures, trees, and power lines due to the risk of falls and accidents.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
What Happens Next The fog is expected to lift on Thursday morning, after 9 am (CST), but residents and travelers in affected areas are advised to be prepared, remain vigilant, and check local forecasts for weather and road condition updates.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Our job as parents is to remain vigilant, ensure our children are loved and supported, and to seek intervention from a health care professional as necessary.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All the firefighters were awake and alert, Esposito said.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
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That night, after the talent show and dinner and homework, Emily lay awake in bed, unable to sleep.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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