Thesaurus results for OBSERVATORY

observatory

noun

əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of observatory

as in tower

a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 observatory After 36 years in service, the historic observatory is also suffering from a decaying orbit made worse by intense solar activity. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 Despite the upcoming loss of the observatory, officials insist the venture holds vast long-term value. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 Swift’s science mission will come to an end as the observatory likely burns up in Earth’s atmosphere later this year, according to NASA. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 Problems began for the observatory in 2024, during a period of intense solar activity. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatory

Noun

Its flowing, inward-curving shape wraps around a 30-foot central tower, forming a space where people can come together to reflect, remember, and gather.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The investigation report also said the fire resulted from hot metal particles falling onto vegetation below the tower, which had not been cleared in years.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of tower

Noun

Brunton told The Times that the county was launching a pilot program (somewhat literally) to use helicopters as fire lookouts.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Hiking trails lead to lookouts, while paddleboards allow for spontaneous exploration of the private island's coastline.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of lookout

Browse Nearby Words

observatories

observatory

observe

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatory. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of observatory

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on observatory

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes