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

Its diverse population is split nearly evenly between Palestinians Arabs, ultra-Orthodox Jews and the rest of the Jewish residents — both secular and observant. — Aron Heller, The Seattle Times, "Jerusalem picks new mayor in round 2 of municipal elections," 13 Nov. 2018 Ayalla was raised in an observant household and strives to keep kosher when possible. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Israeli-Ethiopian Instagram Heartthrob Andebet Ayalla Is Breaking Local Modeling Boundaries," 5 Sep. 2018 Many of Jerusalem's residents are observant Jews, Muslims or Christians, communities that often frown on homosexuality. — Caron Creighton, Fox News, "Thousands march in Jerusalem Gay Pride amid surrogacy uproar," 2 Aug. 2018 And many of those observant Americans will be paying their respects while eating a whole mess of hot dogs at backyard barbecues. — Fox News, "Love hot dogs? Here are 5 surprising frankfurter facts," 4 July 2018 El Karoui’s proposals have alienated some among France’s more observant Muslims and those fighting Islamophobia. — James Mcauley, Washington Post, "Struggling to prevent terrorist attacks, France wants to ‘reform’ Islam," 17 Apr. 2018 El Karoui’s proposals have alienated some among France’s more observant Muslims and those fighting Islamophobia. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Struggling to prevent terrorist attacks, France wants to ‘reform’ Islam," 17 Apr. 2018 Even so, some traditionally observant Jews in Cleveland and Washington made special arrangements in advance to be close enough to attend. — Erica Chenoweth, Washington Post, "Did you attend the March for Our Lives? Here’s what it looked like nationwide.," 13 Apr. 2018 Falk, an observant Orthodox Jew, grew up in Potomac, Md. — Rick O'brien, Philly.com, "Ben Falk, former NBA analytics guru, takes over Barrack Hebrew's basketball team," 12 May 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.