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 Practice setting it up for solar observation a good few times before the day of the eclipse. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Named for 19th-century economist William Stanley Jevons, the phenomenon originally referred to his observation of coal consumption skyrocketing in 1865, despite the Watt steam engine making coal use more efficient. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 His first observation when arriving at the Evans’ humble Chicago home was that the family had a live-in father and mother, played by legendary actors John Amos and Esther Rolle. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Innovation certainly matters, but after helping entrepreneurs establish businesses for many years, one observation continually stands out. — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

Start with the practical fix that frees attention for what matters next.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
The public spotlight on what happened may have grown less intense, but the attention will again be turned to ground zero as people gather to read names and remember.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

In the future, the group will consider publishing public grades for every prediction market company based on their adherence to a code of conduct.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Enjoyment matters here, because experts stress adherence over finding a perfect workout.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

Now, after entering Europe in 2023 with a London store, the brand has its sights on further international expansion, in brand awareness and distribution, with Europe first in line.

— Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
The initiative began in 2016 as a way to honor and build awareness for African, African American and Caribbean cuisine with partnerships, culinary events and marketing campaigns intended to highlight small, local food and beverage businesses.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

IPOs and public-market financing require disclosure, compliance processes and legal predictability.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Multiple staffers have indicated to OutKick-Fox News that this question is currently being discussed among compliance departments across college campuses.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of compliance

Noun

But the impact of the latest move is expected to be greater, given the historic joint nature of the intervention, British bank Barclays said in a Monday research note.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The thoughtful reformulation modernizes the scent with a crisper citrus top note, a mossier base, and improved longevity.

— Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of note

Noun

The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to miss a day of school to observe Diwali, and public schools in New York City are closed in observance of the holiday.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that observe observance of year-round Standard Time.

— Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

Re-centering mindfulness on the body, as originally taught, promises a more complete and joyful life.

— Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Medical treatments, especially those as complex as stem cell therapy, demand mindfulness and understanding from those administering them.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

Anish Koka is a practicing cardiologist in Philadelphia who writes, week after week, about the conformity of his profession and about what his colleagues believe privately and will not say publicly.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

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