Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective watchful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of watchful are alert, vigilant, and wide-awake. While all these words mean "being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity," watchful is the least explicit term.

the watchful eye of the department supervisor

When could alert be used to replace watchful?

Although the words alert and watchful have much in common, alert stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity.

alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide

Where would vigilant be a reasonable alternative to watchful?

The meanings of vigilant and watchful largely overlap; however, vigilant suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness.

eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy

When is wide-awake a more appropriate choice than watchful?

The words wide-awake and watchful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wide-awake applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers.

wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology

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 watchful The best way to learn and internalize this kind of skill is by going through a leadership program that delivers sequentially increasing levels of stress, with watchful management. Leon E. Moores, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Biking, hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing as well as stargazing take place here under the watchful eye of Mount Katahdin, at 5,262 feet the highest peak in the state. Julia Duin, Outside Online, 6 June 2025 Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 June 2025 Emmanuel-Thomas had got his first call-up to Arsenal’s first-team squad at age 17, and there were almost two years when the teenager trained under manager Arsene Wenger’s watchful eye. Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
  • Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The shark vanished after the attack, and swimmers in the area are advised to remain vigilant.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
  • Bitcoin’s Future Depends on the Integrity of Its Movement If Bitcoin serves as a tool for liberation, its developers, advocates, and holders face an ongoing responsibility to remain vigilant.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • How a Cup of Lemonade Led to a Meltdown On Reddit, a mom recounted a recent incident that quickly escalated: While attending a party, the mom in question hoped to keep her 19 month old child awake in order to maintain her regular nap and sleep schedule.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 24 June 2025
  • Korean-Style Steak Sauce Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 oz.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • For most, wealth results from years of hard work, careful planning, and disciplined saving.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • While the latest inflation and jobs market reports showed that any disruption caused by tariffs has so far been minor, the Fed is clearly being careful about what could happen in the coming weeks and months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on watchful

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