Open-eyed

Alert, watchful, and aware of what is happening.

Reach for it when praising alert awareness that faces reality without naivety

The open-eyed reporter checked the flattering claim against public records.

• playful

  wide-awake

  lively awareness suits an informal voice

  not when Wide-awake can refer only to sleep state.

• everyday

  alert

  readiness to notice change is the point

  not when Alertness need not include understanding.

• warm

  watchful

  sustained protective attention matters

  not when Watchfulness can become suspicious.

• professional

  clear-eyed

  realistic judgment is central

  not when Clear-eyed can sound emotionally detached.

• professional

  vigilant

  active attention to risk is required

  not when Vigilance is narrower and threat-focused.

• formal

  unsentimental

  judgment resists comforting distortion

  not when Unsentimental can imply coldness.

• naive
• oblivious
• unseeing

• open-eyed view

  Her open-eyed view included both the promise and the maintenance cost.

• remain open-eyed

  The partners remained open-eyed about the work ahead.

• open-eyed attention

  Open-eyed attention kept the flattering claim from passing unchecked.

Open-eyed is uncommon and figurative; clear-eyed is the more familiar term for realistic awareness.