Definitions

on the watch

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (2) Adverb (1)

Jump To:

on one's guard adj.
watchful adj.
on guard adv.

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.

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on the watch

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

The reply is garbled, but a Coast Guard marine broadcast shortly after told seafarers to be on the watch for a yellow life raft.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2023

They say those getting caught either made a mistake or didn’t know they were on the watch list.

From Washington Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

And another man; when I had time to look, I recognized the Haarlem notary who had been called in on the watch shop’s few legal consultations.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

on the watch

Example Sentences

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Related Words