observant

adjective

ob·ser·vant | \ əb-ˈzər-vənt

Definition of observant

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : paying strict attention : watchful an observant spectator

b : keen, perceptive observant of the mistakes of others Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them.

2 : careful in observing rites, laws, or customs : mindful pious and religiously observant families— Sidney Hook always observant of the amenities

observant

noun

Definition of observant (Entry 2 of 2)

obsolete

: an assiduous or obsequious servant or attendant

Other Words from observant Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about observant

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Synonyms & Antonyms for observant

Synonyms: Adjective

alert, Argus-eyed, attentive, awake, open-eyed, tenty (also tentie) [Scottish], vigilant, watchful, wide-awake

Antonyms: Adjective

asleep

Examples of observant in a Sentence

Adjective

A particularly observant child, he noticed even the slightest changes in the classroom. Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them. The family is strictly observant.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As a Muslim-American journalist, I am invested in the rights of women like my mother, aunts and friends who are devout and observant Muslim American women. — Jennifer Chowdhury, Marie Claire, "Why Ilhan Omar's Victory Speech Starting With an Islamic Greeting Is So Important," 9 Nov. 2018 An observant Jew who largely eschews the flashy trappings of the industry, Mr. Barnett lived in Queens until moving recently with his wife and children to the heavily Orthodox suburb of Monsey, N.Y., about an hour’s drive north of the city. — Candace Taylor, WSJ, "The Man Behind Billionaires’ Row Battles to Sell the World’s Tallest Condo," 17 Jan. 2019 Disengaged yet ever-observant: That became his characteristic posture. — Michael Gorra, WSJ, "‘Anthony Powell: Dancing to the Music of Time’ Review: Life’s Mysterious Patterned Way," 1 Nov. 2018 And then there’s just hoping your friends or spouse are rather oblivious—both woefully uninformed about cosmetic procedures overall and/or just not that observant of the lines, sags, and spots of other peoples’ looks. — Liz Krieger, Town & Country, "The Stealthy Lies People Tell to Cover up Their Plastic Surgery," 26 Feb. 2019 Maarleveld, who was partially raised in New Zealand, offers up a natural-sounding Australian accent as Mrs. Bobs; most of the novel's humor, wry and sometimes sarcastic, comes through her observant eye. — Rochelle O'gorman, latimes.com, "With days like these, take time to listen and laugh," 24 Mar. 2018 Some observant Jews in Pittsburgh learned of the news more quickly. — Shayndi Raice, WSJ, "Prohibition on Electronics Left Many Orthodox Jews in Dark About Pittsburgh Shooting," 28 Oct. 2018 The detention centers are outside the regular justice system and largely hold Muslims seen as too observant or whose loyalties to the government are suspect, rather than who have violated criminal laws. — Josh Chin, WSJ, "Turkey Calls on China to End Mass Incarceration of Muslim Uighurs," 10 Feb. 2019 Take the time to do a job well, never lose your sense of humor, be generous, observant and adventurous. — Alexander Lobrano, WSJ, "The Secret to Happiness, From a French Kitchen," 10 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.