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

Hegseth has justified those removals in the vaguest of terms, which has convinced most observers that the real reason amounts to little more than because these officers followed the lawful orders of the previous administration. — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026

At the peak of the Taurid meteor shower, observers in areas with little light pollution can typically expect to see a modest 10 to 15 meteors per hour, Thompson said. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Sending out election observers has been a routine way of documenting any racial discrimination at the polls under past administrations since the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. — Miles Parks, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

In most other shots, the DS9ers became background observers in existing scenes. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 Nov. 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