1
as in to obey
to act according to the commands of
you must observe all the rules of this school, not simply the ones that meet with your personal approval
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony
a time when few people in New England observed Christmas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to watch
to keep one's eyes on
happily spent many hours observing the birds at the backyard feeder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to reflect
to make a statement of one's opinion
"I think you might be mistaken," he observed
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
she observed that the weather had changed again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to follow
to take notice of and be guided by
generally observes the suggestions of the experts regarding baby care
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observe
Host a barbecue, picnic or block party to bring people together and observe the holiday.
—
Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 2025
The team observed this 11 million light-years away spiral galaxy in thousands of colors, which features the brilliant stars living within it.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 June 2025
Many of them love to dance just as much as Lapointe (though perhaps not as well), while others opt to stand still and observe.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
While speaking to Joseph, officers observed signs of intoxication.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observe
Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 2025
The team observed this 11 million light-years away spiral galaxy in thousands of colors, which features the brilliant stars living within it.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 June 2025
Many of them love to dance just as much as Lapointe (though perhaps not as well), while others opt to stand still and observe.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
While speaking to Joseph, officers observed signs of intoxication.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
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While the breed may not always leap to obey commands, early training and socialization can channel that intelligence into loyal companionship.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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District courts District courts are required to obey the precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court and the appeals court circuit in which they’re located.—
Jacob Turcotte,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 June 2025
Verb
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This experience celebrates the richness of Black culinary traditions across the African diaspora, from New Orleans to the Caribbean to the African continent, while showcasing innovators redefining food and spirits.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
30 June 2025
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Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates a 121-119 win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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As a scout for Athletico Paranaense, Brito had watched Igor Jesus a lot at youth level and rated him highly.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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After Jordan directed Marter to a number of futile stops at various locations, the money was eventually left under a jacket by the side of a road, where Jordan retrieved it as authorities watched undetected.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Speaking directly to the camera, Hatt reflected on her dating history—or lack thereof—and the weight of societal expectations that come with entering a new decade of adulthood without a partner.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
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Every corner of this home has a story, and every design choice reflects them.—
Katia Contreras,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Authorities were first alerted to a potential issue after Disneyland Paris staff noticed that the bride at a pre-scheduled wedding appeared alarmingly young, per The Sunday Times.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
23 June 2025
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Empathy means noticing and adjusting expectations without penalizing people for being human. 4.—
Jody Michael,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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The University of Massachusetts is number three, followed at number five by Harvard and at number nine by MIT.—
Alan M. Leventhal,
Boston Herald,
22 June 2025
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After going down 3-1 in the bottom of the second, Lindor hit the first of the trio of third-inning homers, with Nimmo and Soto following suit to put the Mets back on top, 4-3.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Verb
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The teenager commemorated the anniversary of his acquittal on X, a week after becoming verified on the platform.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
26 June 2025
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Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association, the Spirit of Stonewall commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969.—
David Bohnet,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Others eyeing the results are not so sure, report The Hill’s Mike Lillis and Mychael Schnell.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
24 June 2025
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There’s just as much ambiguity among those eyeing a chase of the GOP nomination.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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