observer

noun

ob·​serv·​er əb-ˈzər-vər 

: one that observes: such as

a

: a representative sent to observe but not participate officially in an activity (such as a meeting or war)

b

: an expert analyst and commentator in a particular field

political observers

Synonyms

• bystander
• onlooker
• spectator
• viewer
• watcher

Examples of observer in a Sentence

According to one observer, the event was poorly organized.

The star is not visible to an observer without a telescope.

According to one military observer, this change comes after years of planning.

Observers say the economy is improving.

The class has an observer today, so please be on your best behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the Russian 2nd Combined Arms Army and adjacent units ground toward the Ukrainian stronghold of Pokrovsk in late August, some Russian observers cautioned against overconfidence on the part of the Russians. —David Axe, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

This large-scale transfer of cattle is one of many biosecurity weak spots that observers and critics of the dairy industry say is contributing to the spread of the disease. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2024

Many observers of race relations in Durham, including Du Bois, noted that white leaders there seemed receptive to Black success. —Victor Luckerson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

Every election cycle, political observers speculate about the power and prevalence of ticket-splitters: voters who support one party for president and another in down-ballot races. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing observer

• casual observer
• inter-observer