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 Monitor weather conditions via radar or lightning app. Keep a watchful eye on the sky. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Once back in Chicago and under the watchful, concerned eye of her mother Ronnie (Anji White), Riri gets recruited by Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), the leader of a local heist crew that targets the area’s multimillionaires. Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2025 Also entering the Villa for compatibility challenges and matchups under the watchful eye of Perfect Match host Nick Lachey is Clayton Echard (The Bachelor), Rachel Recchia (The Bachelorette), Cody Wright (Temptation Island), Daniel Perfetto (Dated & Related) and The Mole alum Hannah Burns. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025 The official synopsis for the season, as per Hulu, reads: Glamorous singles live in a beautiful villa under the watchful gaze of the audience at home, who have the power to decide who stays and who goes. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
  • The alert impacts regions ranging from the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula to the southernmost counties, including major cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • This same accident-prone influence might apply to your pet, so be vigilant.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Maine State Police are warning the community to stay vigilant but have not divulged the cause of death or any details about the crime scene, leaving Stewart’s family with questions and nearby residents with fears that a killer may be among them.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • She was jolted awake by blinking lights and a buzzing phone.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • On the floor below, another student was still awake.
    Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on watchful

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