The opposite of being watchful can be described as being neglectful, inattentive, or careless. A person who is not watchful may be distracted, disinterested or unaware of their surroundings. Additionally, the phrase "were watchful" implies a sense of vigilance or cautiousness, which are opposite in nature from behaviors such as recklessness, overconfidence or carelessness. In context, antonyms for "were watchful" could include terms such as incautious, oblivious, unguarded, and reckless. Overall, being watchful is an important trait that one must possess to ensure safety and security in various settings.