observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

the trend is observable all over the country

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

the size of the observable universe

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of observable

• visible
• visual
• noticeable

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe

scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable

Recent Examples on the Web

Sarkar proved that every quantum operation is associated with a unique set of observable correlations. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Where intelligence remains observable, explainable and auditable and human oversight stays embedded at the right level. — Dave Link, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Those are only what’s observable, with many ships known to sail through with their transponders off to avoid digital detection. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

The system is designed to be observable and controllable rather than fully autonomous. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for observable

• unobservable

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb