1
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
if you were more observant, you would perceive that something is troubling her deeply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something
observant viewers will notice that the position of hero's facial wound changes in the course of the scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of observant
The criminal mastermind, created by author Arthur Conan Doyle to torment his famously observant protagonist, is set to star in his own drama series from Archery Pictures and Fremantle.
—
K.j. Yossman,
Variety,
28 May 2026
This is patient, observant storytelling, with brilliant casting choices (casting director Nina Gold) and performances that speak volumes about how the characters have changed over the decades — the jump from a buoyant Toheeb Jimoh to a despondent David Oyelowo is particularly heartbreaking.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
25 May 2026
Eliza Touchet is smart, funny, resilient, observant, and basically over it (but not quite).
—
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Police video showed the nun bruised and the attacker wearing tzitzit, a fringed undergarment worn by some observant Jewish men.
—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observant
K.j. Yossman,
Variety,
28 May 2026
This is patient, observant storytelling, with brilliant casting choices (casting director Nina Gold) and performances that speak volumes about how the characters have changed over the decades — the jump from a buoyant Toheeb Jimoh to a despondent David Oyelowo is particularly heartbreaking.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
25 May 2026
Eliza Touchet is smart, funny, resilient, observant, and basically over it (but not quite).
—
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Police video showed the nun bruised and the attacker wearing tzitzit, a fringed undergarment worn by some observant Jewish men.
—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observant
Adjective
-
First responders found the woman conscious and alert after an umbrella stake pierced her shoulder.
-
On 19th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street, officers found two women with gunshot wounds who were conscious and alert and one man who was unresponsive, Kansas City Police Department spokesman Capt.
Adjective
-
Despite the chaos threatening to derail Indiana's momentum, Clark made sure the Fever stayed focused on the only thing that mattered.
-
The Senate’s version of Bert and Ernie is focused legislation for the big-time college game, while there are other politicians trying to help out the lower levels where the players don’t have a transfer portal, or can make millions in NIL.
Adjective
-
Officials urge visitors to stay vigilant Authorities and experts alike said one of the largest factors in preventing an attack is whether law enforcement is notified about suspicious activity beforehand.
-
The spokesperson noted that labor inspections of working conditions have increased and encouraged houses to remain vigilant and fully compliant with regulations.
Adjective
-
Patrick Vieira was 24 years old and totally immersed in his career, a midfield colossus with Arsenal and a World Cup winner with France, when the call of Africa became overwhelming.
-
Thereafter, Jupiter will appear to drop rapidly away from Venus, setting progressively earlier and becoming more and more deeply immersed in the bright evening twilight during the balance of June.
Adjective
-
Around midnight on a muggy June Monday, only one club was awake in Washington’s nightlife hub.
-
The royal, who was seen repeatedly blinking before jolting awake, was attending the annual ANZAC Day service at London's Westminster Abbey, which is held to commemorate Commonwealth soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada who served and died in wars and peacekeeping operations.
Adjective
-
Unabsorbed calcium leaves the body through stool, and absorbed calcium that isn't needed may be filtered by the kidneys and leave in urine—often within about a day.
-
The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.
Adjective
-
For generations, neighborhoods had park programs, church leagues, YMCAs, summer jobs, youth clubs and local hangouts where teenagers could spend time under the watchful eyes of caring adults.
-
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.
Adjective
-
Artists interested in participating can submit an application through an interest form linked on her social media.
-
For kids less interested in sports or physical activities, there are art, music and cooking camps, too.
Cite this Entry
“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observant. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
