watchful

[ woch-fuhl ]

adjective

1. vigilant or alert; closely observant:

   The sentry remained watchful throughout the night.

   Synonyms: wary, cautious, circumspect, careful, heedful, attentive

2. Archaic. wakeful.

watchful

/ ˈwɒtʃfʊl /

adjective

1. vigilant or alert
2. archaic.
   not sleeping

Derived Forms

• ˈwatchfully, adverb
• ˈwatchfulness, noun

Other Words From

• watchful·ly adverb
• watchful·ness noun
• self-watchful·ness noun
• un·watchful adjective
• un·watchful·ly adverb
• un·watchful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchful¹

First recorded in 1540–50; watch + -ful

Synonym Study

See alert.

Example Sentences

Many men with a low-risk cancer are simply monitored or begin “watchful waiting” - but a cancer diagnosis and the invasive tests it involves have a psychological impact.

From BBC

It also lays its eggs on the ground, without a nest or any other form of protection except for the watchful eye of the mother and this might have caused it to develop good side vision, he adds.

From BBC

Phil Salt’s watchful 74 dug them out of a hole with Sam Curran scoring 40 and Dan Mousley impressing with his maiden ODI half-century.

From BBC

Sure, every insight along the way feels predetermined, even as the young star’s greatest strength lies in how his watchful eyes often betray little.

From Los Angeles Times

He also tended to play hurt, forcing coach Charles Collins to keep a watchful eye on whether the gutsy guy was trying to hide an injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attentive
• careful
• cautious
• observant
• suspicious
• vigilant
• wary