observation

noun

ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce observation (audio)
Definition of observationnext
1
as in attention
a state of being aware it has come to my observation that you've been missing a lot of school lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law a society in which a strict observation of business etiquette is expected of visiting foreigners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of observation The 16 images include x-ray data that Chandra has collected over decades, combined with observations from other telescopes in space and across the world. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026 Mariner 2 carried no cameras (surprisingly), but its observations were the first detailed measurements of the Venus atmosphere and Venus' temperature, proving to scientists that the planet experienced a runaway greenhouse effect in the past. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 There is no deeper thought or more pointed observation attached. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Now the same research team behind that observation has found an association between receiving the Shingrix shot and a reduced risk of heart disease. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation
  1. attention
  2. adherence
  3. awareness
  4. compliance
  5. note
  6. observance
  7. mindfulness
  8. conformity
Noun
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 10th House of Career, Reputation, and Responsibility, putting attention on your public role, work, leadership, or visible commitments.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, markets this week paid close attention to news of the passing of former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Members may appeal the presiding officer’s ruling, but, given a commitment to nonpartisan conduct and adherence to precedent, in practice the parliamentarian’s advice carries significant weight and is generally considered final.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Better adherence and earlier intervention can help prevent costly complications that drive healthcare spending, including hospitalizations, emergency-room visits and disease progression.
    — Joel Zive, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • Yandel is recognized for his support of community and educational initiatives, mental health awareness and emerging Latino talent.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But even her awareness can’t be constant, as shown by a scene that played out just this summer.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Once home, hunched over a Nespresso, Tracey attended to the buildup on her iPhone, saving Lois’s WhatsApp voice note till last.
    — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Davis Polk's client note describes the package as continuing bombardment rather than storming the beaches, built from existing authorities.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of note
Noun
  • In video clips shared online, Zgraggen smiled at the camera and described walking to a beach during the observance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In another observance, it was noticed that Willis doesn’t tie his shoes.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of observance
Noun
  • Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • My work has explored how technology can help measure and promote these connections for better health, such as by tracking activity through wearables or delivering mindfulness training through mobile apps.
    — Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Central to the reorganization is an institutional separation between standard setting and conformity assessment—the process used to determine whether a product, facility or company satisfies those standards.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant
observation
observational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on observation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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