observer

noun

ob·​serv·​er əb-ˈzər-vər 

: one that observes: such as

a

: a representative sent to observe but not participate officially in an activity (such as a meeting or war)

b

: an expert analyst and commentator in a particular field

political observers

Synonyms of observer

• spectator
• viewer

Examples of observer in a Sentence

According to one observer, the event was poorly organized.

The star is not visible to an observer without a telescope.

According to one military observer, this change comes after years of planning.

Observers say the economy is improving.

The class has an observer today, so please be on your best behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

His fellow drummers, always his sharpest observers, said as much. —John Lingan, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025

For some observers, the 2024 election seemed to show a shift of young people and Latinos to the Republican Party. —Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Telescopic treat Jupiter is currently the best observer's planet and will remain so all winter and into next spring. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025

African Union observers said the election failed to comply with democratic standards. —Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

observe + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing observer

• casual observer
• inter-observer

Rhymes for observer

• preserver
• fervor
• fervour
• server