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 of observer

• spectator
• viewer

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

European observers will see the moon low in the western sky before dawn, creating dramatic opportunities to see and photograph the eclipsed moon above city skylines, coastlines and mountain landscapes as morning twilight begins. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Close observers say a key moment in Meloni’s visual transformation was in 2024 during the G7 summit in Puglia. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

But that’s left some observers worried Disney wasn’t bringing in enough summertime visitors. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Lindell was the front-runner in most of the surveys leading up to Election Day, but observers began to notice a late surge by Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

observe + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing observer

• casual observer
• inter-observer

Rhymes for observer

• preserver
• fervor
• fervour
• server