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Definitions

watchdog

[woch-dawg, -dog] / ˈwɒtʃˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /
NOUN
custodian
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curator keeper overseer protector steward superintendent supervisor warden
STRONG
Cerberus bodyguard cleaner concierge escort guardian manager sitter super
WEAK
baby sitter claviger cleaning person housesitter maintenance person swamper watchperson
NOUN
guard dog
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attack dog
WEAK
bandog guarddog
NOUN
guardian
Synonyms
STRONG
Cerberus angel attendant baby-sitter champion chaperon chaperone conservator cop curator custodian defender escort guard keeper nurse overseer paladin patrol preserver safeguard sentinel shepherd sitter sponsor superintendent supervisor trustee vigilante warden
WEAK
bird dog
NOUN
monitor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
auditor
STRONG
adviser counselor director guide informant invigilator listener overseer supervisor
WEAK
eavesdropper
NOUN
warden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrator caretaker curator superintendent
STRONG
bodyguard custodian deacon gamekeeper governor guard guardian janitor keeper officer overseer ranger skipper
WEAK
dogcatcher jailer/jailor prison head watchkeeper
Antonyms
WEAK
prisoner

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.

“It’s really important at this moment that the House act to expel these men who have been seriously and credibly accused of wrongdoing,” said McGehee, a former executive director of the ethics watchdog Issue One.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The head of a prominent anti-disinformation watchdog has warned of the dangers posed by AI chatbots, saying children are particularly vulnerable.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

ProPublica reviewed an audio recording of the event obtained by the nonpartisan watchdog group Documented.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

A new report from the federal government’s top healthcare watchdog raises new fears about what is happening to residents in many U.S. nursing homes once the visitors have left.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Toddler Barbara wandered around freely with Crypto, their Airedale watchdog.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield