Meaning & use

watchful

adjective·Academic

Paying close, careful attention in order to notice danger, problems, or changes.

See it in a sentence

The lifeguard kept a watchful eye on the swimmers throughout the afternoon.

Under the watchful gaze of their teacher, the students worked quietly on the exam.

A note on using this word

Watchful commonly appears in the phrase 'watchful eye,' emphasizing careful, protective observation rather than mere looking.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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