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

But with the legal questions over the elections unresolved, observers warned that the first general elections since 2016 could well open the door to bad actors. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

International observers are encouraged that Trump has not given up on peace between Ukraine and Russia, but the proposal requires major territorial concessions from Ukraine, which the country has repeatedly rejected. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

Conservative observers suspect the reshuffle is an attempt to distance the network from Arabella’s now controversial branding and, potentially, to erect greater legal separation between its 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) arms. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2025

Even so, Zhao remains vividly under the spell of Malick the image-maker, and also Malick the intimate observer of the everyday. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 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