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

Other Word Forms

• watchfully adverb
• watchfulness noun
• self-watchfulness noun
• unwatchful adjective
• unwatchfully adverb
• unwatchfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchful¹

First recorded in 1540–50; watch + -ful

Synonym Study

See alert.

Example Sentences

Both men - Benavidez, famed for his relentless punch output, and Yarde, who carried serious power with 24 knockouts in 27 wins – made a watchful start.

Read more on BBC

The new bridge, constructed with Turkish assistance, was recently completed under the watchful eye of a professional, if taciturn, Ugandan army unit.

Read more on Barron's

He was watchful for his half-century, taking 92 deliveries to reach 50, then opened his shoulders before being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.

Read more on BBC

So most farmers carried on with their usual tasks, while keeping a watchful eye on the skies.

Read more on Literature

Marsh and Travis Head made a watchful start, with the visitors finding some early swing.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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