Definitions

on the watch

ADJECTIVE

on one's guard

Synonyms

WEAK

alert careful cautious defensive guarded heedful mindful observant on guard on one's toes on the lookout upon one's guard vigilant watchful

ADJECTIVE

watchful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive careful cautious observant suspicious vigilant wary

STRONG

alert

WEAK

all ears chary circumspect glued guarded heedful hooked keen not missing a trick on guard on one's toes on the ball on the job on the qui vive open-eyed prepared ready see after see to unsleeping wakeful wide-awake with eyes peeled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless heedless inattentive incautious indiscreet rash thoughtless uncareful unobservant

WEAK

negligent

ADVERB

on guard

Synonyms

WEAK

alert careful cautious defensive guarded heedful mindful observant on one's guard on one's toes on the lookout vigilant wary 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.

Or to put Wall Street on the watch for new highs.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But Meta AI glasses are new, and while those devices aren’t as common, adults are on the watch now.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

“We’re in a society now of disinformation and misinformation. You’ve really got to be watching and on the watch when information comes in and validating and verifying it,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2024

Last year, 484 people on the watch list were stopped at ports of entry along the northern border, compared with 80 at the southern border, according to CBP data.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2024

After dinner, I climbed into my bunk bed, where no one could see me, and tried on the watch with each of the bands, gesturing the way I figured rich people did.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

on the watch

Example Sentences

Related Words