observant

adjective

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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

Synonyms & Antonyms for observant

Synonyms: Adjective

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 The observant Walton noticed that Bird always stayed at the restaurant during the scores of postgame gatherings until the end, attempting to stealthily sprinkle $100 bills on the tables for servers. — Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2022 His non-observant family fled their native Czechoslovakia during World War II to Singapore, and then left to India after Japan began attacking there. — Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2022 In the summer of 2020 Maggie Gyllenhaal cast him as a sensitive and observant pool attendant who catches the eyes of both Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson in her awards season darling and directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, his first feature. — Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 May 2022 Wilson was arrested on Jan. 1, 2021, at the Mrs. Potato Restaurant in Orlando, after an observant restaurant manager suspecting abuse called 911. — Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, 9 June 2022 Her inner steel and her observant Catholicism (represented here by Reiter frequently handling rosary beads) have seen her through the assassinations of JFK and Bobby, and the deaths of two other children in airplane accidents. — Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2022 Oliver brings a great deal of observant naturalism to an underwritten role, but there are few sparks between her and the too-boyish Alwyn. — Inkoo Kang, Washington Post, 14 May 2022 His adviser, Eric Feron, remembered Bayraktar as a dedicated craftsman and an observant Muslim, with a passion for youth education. — The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 The three are observant Jews and take a break from the internet each week to observe the religion’s day-long prohibition on technology during the sabbath. — Abram Brown, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2022 See More

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.