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

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

Meanwhile, Isabella Rossellini, who plays a watchful nun in “Conclave,” has appeared in two films that Tucci directed, including his beloved “Big Night.”

From Los Angeles Times

A majority Shia suburb in the south of Beirut, Dahieh was once again under Israel’s watchful eye; its more than half a million residents again under threat of death from above.

From BBC

Related Words

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