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

The unusual auroras were photographed over Hokkaido, Japan, where observers captured diffuse red glows hanging low over the horizon. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 May 2026

Cornyn, meanwhile, is viewed by many political observers as a more traditional Republican candidate with a longer history of appealing to broader segments of Texas voters. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 26 May 2026

The Real Weapon Is the Data OCHI is the Ukrainian system most outside observers have never heard of. —Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Hiring an attorney who is more commonly aligned against big companies prompted at least one observer to postulate that Paramount could be angling to remove a big name from the legal chessboard to prevent him from joining the other side, in the vein of TV mob boss Tony Soprano. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 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