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 China’s intelligence agency has also launched a very public campaign on social media over the last two years warning its citizens against spying for foreign nations and to keep a watchful eye out for espionage attempts. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 The emergency was the latest in a years-long series of fiascoes within L.A. County’s juvenile halls — all of which have unfolded under the watchful eye of the California attorney general’s office. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 The ragtag group joins together under the watchful eye of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a morally flexible private-sector spook who has been named the head of the CIA in the new film. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025 The estate traces its roots back to 1720, and in our own times, it’s been owned by the Borie family for three generations, now under the watchful eye of Bruno-Eugène Borie. Brian Freedman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 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, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Reese, the police lieutenant, urged pedestrians to remain vigilant.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Thiele said that DJs should be used to being awake late, which Snow agreed with.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Salsa Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1 cup kimchi 1 cup chopped tomato (1 medium beefsteak or 2 medium romas) 1/2 cup chopped green onions or white onion 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or cilantro 1 Tbsp.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.
    Brooke Baitinger, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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