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
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Recent Examples of observant
The stands were packed with observant Jews wearing yarmulkes and tzitzit, children playing hooky from Hebrew school and New Yorkers who flew south for one of the biggest basketball games in Yeshiva University history.
—
Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 14 Mar. 2026
The camera, while keenly observant, maintains a mannered distance within the confines of Compassion House, a caring facility where some teens are sent by their families, and others are ordered by local courts while strapped with ankle monitors too large for their legs.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
The story weaves together themes of loss, found family and the small mysteries that can change lives — all narrated through the wry, observant voice of a creature who may just be smarter than the humans around him.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Van Pelt’s giant Pacific octopus narrator — wry, curmudgeonly, deeply observant — is the beating heart of the book.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observant
Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 14 Mar. 2026
The camera, while keenly observant, maintains a mannered distance within the confines of Compassion House, a caring facility where some teens are sent by their families, and others are ordered by local courts while strapped with ankle monitors too large for their legs.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
The story weaves together themes of loss, found family and the small mysteries that can change lives — all narrated through the wry, observant voice of a creature who may just be smarter than the humans around him.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Van Pelt’s giant Pacific octopus narrator — wry, curmudgeonly, deeply observant — is the beating heart of the book.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observant
Adjective
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His hair is frosted at the tips, carefully tousled; his eyes are alert, amused, ever-probing.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Apr. 2026
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The office, which is responsible for coordinating during emergencies, was under scrutiny following the alert failures of the Eaton fire, and officials had promised in the aftermath to revamp the small office.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nashville felt too industry-laden, too focussed on streaming numbers and other markers of commercial success.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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Part of the Republican administration's preparations to celebrate the 250th anniversary have included putting pressure on federal institutions, including the Smithsonian, to tell a version of history that is less focused on discrimination and episodes of racial violence.—
GARY FIELDS,
Arkansas Online,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Officials have recommended people stay vigilant and have an emergency plan in case of a snake bite, including knowing their location, trail names and GPS coordinates.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
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Parents should be extra vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Her class became immersed in movement from the start.—
Carla Hinton,
Oklahoman,
9 Apr. 2026
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Despite the many improvements in virtual reality (VR) technology, with realistic visual and auditory content that makes the user feel immersed in the environment, the olfactory sense has not been as faithfully replicated in the medium.—
Shirl Leigh
March 31,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In combined bites, the salty ingredients season the fresh ones, and the textures are varied enough to gently nudge the brain awake.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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During the trial, however, the jury was shown an image that depicted the 7-year-old riding in the back of Horner’s FedEx truck on her knees, while still awake and active, according to the Associated Press.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
11 Mar. 2026
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The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Gallery guards keep a watchful eye on any verboten photo taking or loud conversation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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The agency said drivers would need to be in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His answers to questions about the contest vary from declining to comment to pointing out that voters don’t appear interested in the race, either.—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Info and brainstorming sessions Anyone interested in making a film for the competition is invited to a series of brainstorming sessions next week to learn more about the project, connect with filmmaking resources, share film ideas, find mentors and explore collaborations.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observant. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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