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

The governor’s substantive criticism of the president’s Davos speech as lacking new policy proposals and containing incoherent rhetoric about Greenland and windmills was grounded in observable facts about the address rather than mere partisan attack. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

In about 25% of observations, the satellites appeared bright enough to be observable without telescopes. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2026

The biggest news organization in Minnesota is trying to serve as the sober counterweight to hysterical social media posts, swarming videos, political conflict, and public statements that contradict observable facts. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Jan. 2026

To counter this hesitation, companies can link payment to observable results. —Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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