observant

ob·ser·vant | \ əb-ˈzər-vənt

How to pronounce observant (audio)

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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

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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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 Big gifts, no fanfare When the Galen Center, USC’s basketball arena, opened in 2006, observant fans noticed an unfamiliar name emblazoned on the floor in crimson. — Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, "This secret donor has given USC $400 million," 5 Sep. 2019 Motorists, please be observant and notice when school bus red lights are flashing or its stop sign is extended. — cleveland.com, "Dance studio celebrates its one-year anniversary: Olmsted Dates and Data," 17 Aug. 2019 As both an advocate of free speech on campus and an observant, pro-Israel Jew, these problems have been on my mind a great deal. — Samantha Harris, National Review, "An Executive Order against Antisemitism Is Being Used to Justify Censorship," 23 Jan. 2020 Howard, like many jewelers in the Diamond District, is an observant Jew. — Time, "'This Is What Most People Go Through Here on the Block.' The Jewelers of the Diamond District on What's Real and What's Fiction in Uncut Gems," 8 Jan. 2020 The lawsuit also faulted the jail for failing to provide timely meals to Muslim inmates during Ramadan, when observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. — Matthew Barakat, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Virginia jail ends ‘God Pod’ after Muslim inmates sue," 20 Sep. 2019 An observant deputy noticed and decided to take action,’’ Agee said. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, "2 puppies starved to death in Jefferson County; Birmingham woman charged," 14 Jan. 2020 Mary Barr, an observant Catholic, sent William and his three brothers to Corpus Christi elementary school. — David Rohde, The New Yorker, "William Barr, Trump’s Sword and Shield," 13 Jan. 2020 The house had two kitchens, one featuring a French chef, the other kept strictly kosher for observant guests. — Ruth Franklin, Harper's magazine, "Salka the Salonnière," 6 Jan. 2020

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.

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Dictionary Entries near observant

observationalism

observation battalion

Statistics for observant

Last Updated

14 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observant. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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