adjective
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vigilant or alert
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archaic not sleeping
Synonym Usage
See alert.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of watchful
Explanation
To be watchful is to be alert and aware. A watchful dog might keep an eye on the sidewalk in front of your house all afternoon. The adjective watchful is good for describing someone who keeps an attentive eye on things. A watchful teacher, for example, knows immediately when a student is being teased, and a watchful driver is quick to stop for a pedestrian crossing the street. When you're on the lookout, you're being watchful. The word comes from the Middle English waccheful, which used to have an alternate meaning of "wakeful" or "sleepless."
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.
Der Chef was voiced by German exiles under Delmer’s watchful eye.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
“This is a period of watchful thinking,” Warsh told reporters.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026
Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who formerly served as Maduro's vice president, has been governing under Washington's watchful eye since then.
From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026
One of the more unexpected findings was that human infrastructure, including roads and settlements, sometimes caused animals to become less watchful.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026
“Don’t you know what they say? Keep your friends close—and your enemies closer. Hubert keeps a watchful eye on Michelangelo. Still, do not leave my side until we are in the presence of Abbot Hubert.”
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
