watchful
adjective
vigilant or alert; closely observant.
watchfulness
-
a word derived from
watchful.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her watchfulness soon shifted to J.’s behavior, as he became paranoid, irritable and withdrawn.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
In the book, he writes of "angry crescendos and heavy silences" from his parents' bedroom, which instilled a "constant watchfulness that became instinct before I understood why".
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2025
For many of the rest of us—for me—the response to the election seems to be primarily a grim watchfulness, the miserable anticipation of what fresh hell the news is about to bring.
From Slate ● Jan. 20, 2025
Both share a watchfulness, as well as a sense of humor so dry it’s practically a weather event.
From New York Times ● Nov. 27, 2022
We respected the watchfulness, but it could feel like a form of confinement.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
