as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
the toddler played under the watchful eye of her parents
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Recent Examples of watchful
At the annual Georgia Economic Outlook, hosted by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, business leaders, academics and economists gathered to forecast where the state's economy is headed under the watchful eye of stingrays and belugas at the Georgia Aquarium.
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Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
In the dance studio, Pierce-Sands had a watchful eye, a wry smile and a loud voice.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
Tenzin, our guide, keeps a watchful eye on me.
—Shunali Khullar Shroff, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Nov. 2025
The dull silver, which has been funded by USC, shields them from potential vandalism from UCLA students, and the Trojan Knights’ watchful eyes are ready to deter any Bruin antics.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for watchful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watchful
Adjective
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Hospital officials said no one should delay treatment or put off appointments, but patients should be alert for any direct updates from their health care providers.—
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If successful, robots could handle complex physical tasks while staying alert to danger across their entire surface.—
Adjective
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Coastguard officials credited teamwork, training, and the initial report from a vigilant member of the public for the successful outcome.—
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How to avoid stimulus check scams As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant.—
Adjective
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The animals were observed sleeping in a dark-light environment and awake during the day.—
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She was jolted awake to see her kids’ father coming at her, pointing a knife at her chest, prosecutors said.—
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
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These soft and chewy treats are the result of dozens of careful recipe tests.—
Cite this Entry
“Watchful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watchful. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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