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 DeBlois: This film would be made off the grid, away from the watchful eyes of the Disney leadership. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025 Under the watchful eye of coach Jono Zissi, the program has morphed from a perennial contender into a certified dynasty. Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025 Behind them, quiet and watchful, Maester Rodrik whispered a prayer to gods long abandoned, his voice trembling with dread beneath the vast, indifferent sky. Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025 Driving along the Vermont-Quebec border, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Paul Allen keeps a watchful eye on passing cars. Riley Robinson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
  • Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • But her watchful, alert bearing imbues the character with a sort of unspoken backstory.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Residents are advised to remain vigilant for health and fire risks during the peak heat advisory period and to follow all safety recommendations from public health and weather agencies.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Recent attempts to use a domestic tragedy as an excuse to restrict homeschooling in the state remind us to be vigilant.
    Peter Wolfgang, National Review, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mississippi Pork Chops Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 4 1-inch boneless pork loin chops 1/2 tsp.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
  • Aggressive verbal or physical outbursts, wandering, sleeping during the day and being awake all night are some examples.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on watchful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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