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

• 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

Whether or not Takaichi's administration is as tough on immigration issues as her campaign rhetoric suggests, some observers warn that failing to actively invest in and integrate foreign nationals into society will have lasting harm on Asia’s second-largest economy. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

Trump has accused Maduro of being an illegitimate president after an election that most independent observers believe was stolen. —Richard Hall, Time, 25 Oct. 2025

The film’s tonal balancing act — mixing absurdist humor with Anderson’s trademark intensity — seemed obviously comedic to casual awards observers, and the filmmakers, along with studio awards strategists, felt similarly. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

At the 2025 Changchun Airshow, observers noted that the J-20 stealth fighter’s radar-absorbent surface appeared more durable and easier to maintain than that of US aircraft. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

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