as in vigilance
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
it was only her motherly watchfulness that saved the boy from an accident
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Recent Examples of watchfulness
A lot of this involves watchfulness—noticing what the preferring mind (that is, the editing mind) as put in place, and accepting it, and building upon it.
—
Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
—Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
—Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchfulness
Noun
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Proving this will require experiments that directly test how the rhythm affects brain cleaning, vigilance, and survival.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
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Italy’s own history, including the consequences of fascist racial laws and deportations, has shaped a national commitment to remembrance, education and vigilance.—
Brian Siegal,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For example, start your day with coffee for maximum alertness, then switch to chai in the afternoon.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
6 Feb. 2026
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However, first-generation antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue, which can affect alertness, concentration, and memory.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The note also had details about a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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Community members have organized visible school watches to ensure families are not isolated or caught alone in moments of fear.—
Marilyn Carlson Nelson,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Enthusiasts can also sign up for show alerts from the organizers.—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
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For most taxpayers, this tool gives a clearer picture than relying on email alerts or waiting for bank notifications.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Steady, intentional eye contact conveys attentiveness and respect.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Good care requires a level of presence and attentiveness that just can’t be scaled.—
Jen Zamzow,
The Conversation,
17 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchfulness. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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