OBSERVATION Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

observation

noun

ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən

Definition of observation

as in attention

a state of being aware it has come to my observation that you've been missing a lot of school lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adherence

the following of a custom, rule, or law a society in which a strict observation of business etiquette is expected of visiting foreigners

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 observation Looking at other observation tools, the pair found even more sightings going back to 2016. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026 There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive. — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 An October 7 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), drawing on more than 90 Chinese-language sources, traces that process from battlefield observation to publicly visible changes in Chinese preparations. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 The new study was limited by 19th-century meteorological records, which predate standardized observation and may not have the precision of modern records. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

Its fictional characters secretly controlled small workplace decisions without attracting attention.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Our server was effusive in her congratulations and attention, especially to my husband’s nut aversion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
The ongoing rat race between AI companies jockeying for trillion-dollar initial public offering (IPO) valuations continues to come at the cost of scientific clarity and adherence to academic norms.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

Hundreds of runners in purple briefs took to the streets of Johannesburg last Friday to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
The decision to launch the movie in moderate release — rather than limited in just a handful of venues or nationwide on more than 2,000 screens — proved wise because the studio was able to bolster awareness while cultivating a sense of scarcity.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

One bottle, picked by Naugle, Casamorati Italica had notes of apple, mandarin, creamy milk, saffron and vanilla which distinctly reminded me of this German Christmas loose-leaf tea from my childhood.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Save suspicious messages, account statements, confirmation numbers and notes from conversations with institutions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of note

Noun

On White Cane Awareness Day, an annual observance celebrating the achievements and independence of visually impaired individuals, Darnes and more than 50 other veterans received a free pair of Meta smart glasses.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Dedicated to empowering Black Philadelphians Philadelphia Martyrs Day is an annual observance that pays homage to the five Philadelphia men who fought for Black suffrage and were killed in the 1871 election.

— Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

So while mindfulness and meditation are appealing concepts right now, a heavier, darker scent to aid your spiritual transcendence might not be.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026
Plan low-key gatherings like a cozy dinner or weekend hike to stay socially connected, and try mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

Furthermore, rigid or semi-rigid components create significant conformity challenges.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
As a bargain fashionista before the term existed, Andie is a forward-thinking, stylish young woman with her own identity in a world defined by conformity.

— Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant

observation

observational

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Style

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

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