observation

noun

ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce observation (audio)
Definition of observationnext
1
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
2
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 From my observations, new franchise locations don’t usually fail because leaders don’t understand how to grow. — Tushar Mishra, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 An anatomical observation had generated a therapeutic hypothesis. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026 Those include national security missions, orbital computing and Earth observation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 Greg Rajan Halftime observations The Texans' offense left a lot to be desired in that first half. — Jonathan M. Alexander, Houston Chronicle, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation
  1. attention
  2. adherence
  3. awareness
  4. compliance
  5. note
  6. observance
  7. mindfulness
  8. conformity
Noun
  • While the Blue Demon induces perceptual disorientation, the Rooster privileges visual attention and the architectural discipline of gaze.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But while Antetokounmpo gets most of the attention as the Heat’s new star, Adebayo will again be relied on to be the team’s leader.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • As part of the settlement, Paramount agreed to the formation of an editorial oversight board that will monitor adherence to editorial independence from its owners and shareholders.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But any long-term solution will depend on the physical condition of its campus, its adherence to its original mission as a living memorial and the reliable, responsible and accountable governance of its leaders.
    — E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • Throughout the year, the company works to raise awareness and funds for Pink Pony through events and activations around the world.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But after reviewing an FBI interview report, the agent cited Handal’s alleged awareness of a plan for a coup to remove Moïse.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The Florida Public Service Commission must still review FPL’s compliance filing.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Some point out that the commission’s claim of company savings on compliance costs is overblown.
    — Tzachi Zach, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Judging by the looks on display that night, the brand’s slinky, minimalist vibe is still hitting the right note.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Trump hit the same note during a campaign swing through Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, arguing the economy was better than its public perception.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of note
Noun
  • Courts are closed In observance of California Native American Day, which is celebrated every year on the fourth Friday of September.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Groups of implicatures Grice identified three broad groups of implicatures generated through the observance, violation, or flouting of maxims in keeping with the cooperative principle.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of observance
Noun
  • The sailing is also designated as one of the line’s Wellness at Sea sailings, bringing together wellness, fitness, and mindfulness sessions all led by experts.
    — Megan duBois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Strangely enough, they can be calmed by conducting mindfulness exercises.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • The Orwellian parallels and Cold War overtones are strong on this particular planet, where a hive-mind entity enforces conformity through mass surveillance and zero-tolerance punishments.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That sense of propriety was partly imposed upon him by his father, who, in covering up John’s misdeed, placed an albatross around his son’s neck, demanding his conformity to a narrow sort of principle.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant
observation
observational
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Cite this Entry

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on observation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observation

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