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

Some observers, trying to make sense of Trump’s behavior, have tried to put his policies firmly back in the box of great-power competition. —Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

According to Vatican observers and bookmakers, the following candidates have the strongest odds. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Further, Minnesota’s ethics laws for state lawmakers have historically been rated as weak by watchdog groups, and the part-time nature of the Legislature, where many members hold other jobs, lends itself to some level of conflicts of interest, political observers say. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 20 Apr. 2025

Much anticipation had built up ahead of Trump’s release of the John F. Kennedy files, but observers hoping for a smoking gun were let down last month as the documents contained some new details but no key information that changed the public’s understanding of what happened. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 18 Apr. 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