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

Yeun manages to keep his cool like an interested observer who throws out useful suggestions every now and then. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Industry observers who might have been optimistic in January now sound a lot more sour. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Netanyahu and his party, Likud, are not ahead in most mainstream polls, and yet most observers of any credibility agree that damn near anything could happen, especially given Israel’s complicated parliamentary arrangements and wild array of parties. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026

One such outburst took place in 1933, when observers in Europe watched an astonishing 500 shooting stars streak across the sky each minute. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026

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