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

There is a reason many soccer observers call him the GOAT. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The Senators received three first-round picks and a future second-round pick from the Florida Panthers in return for Brady Tkachuk, leaving some observers confused about the team’s future intentions. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Those decisions, coupled with what observers described as tactical mishaps and a belief among some fans that Haiti could have beaten Brazil or at least score against it, have prompted widespread debates among fans and calls for Migné’s dismissal by some. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

The independent mission deployed about 150 observers for Sunday’s runoff election, whose results show conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella leading by 1 percentage point, or nearly 251,000 votes, with all but a fraction of the votes counted. — ABC News, 23 June 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