observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
Synonyms of observablenext
1
: noteworthy
the trend is observable all over the country
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
the size of the observable universe
observability
əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce observable (audio)
noun
observable noun
observably
əb-ˈzər-və-blē How to pronounce observable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of observable

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Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skeptical Intelligence turns the behaviors needed to evaluate AI outputs into eight observable steps. — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Avery proved that figurative artists, in trying to represent the observable world, can be as free in their choices as any abstract painter. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 This configuration would allow the stealth fighter to preserve its low observable characteristics during combat operations. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 The event will be so luminous that it could be detected halfway across the observable universe. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observable

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

Rhymes for observable

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Browse Nearby Words

observability
observable
observance
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Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably
-blē How to pronounce observable (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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