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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of watchful
Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Unlike in the advanced labs under the watchful eye of Jurassic Park scientists on the fictional Isla Nublar, much of paleontology isn’t so glamorous.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Adjective
Palestinian schoolgirls saunter down a street in the Gaza Strip under the watchful eye of an Israeli patrol.
—Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Unlike in the advanced labs under the watchful eye of Jurassic Park scientists on the fictional Isla Nublar, much of paleontology isn’t so glamorous.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
—Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 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
Noun
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Indeed, more firms are calling for vigilance.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
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The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack—and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 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
Noun
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From heightened alertness after your first sip to frequent bathroom trips and an afternoon crash, coffee has a distinct effect on your body and brain.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
7 Nov. 2025
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Both naturally increase alertness without disrupting sleep later.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 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
Noun
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If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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Sotheby’s estimated nearly a third of its watch sales in 2023 went to buyers age 30 and under, giving them priceless social currency.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 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
Noun
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Creating the menu for the new restaurant took that same attentiveness.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Tilting your head toward another person indicates attentiveness and eagerness.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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