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 The unusual change in the free and open data policy for Europe’s Copernicus Earth observation program was revealed by Space News, which reviewed a copy of the decision made by the Council of the EU on July 13. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026 These new observations are based on two independent hunting events that occurred about one year apart. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 Earth observation, imagery and analytics support decision-making across defense, agriculture, energy, insurance and logistics. — Andreas Bubenzer-Paim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 But jaundiced observations about the haves and the have-nots eventually reached a point of diminishing returns. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

As much as the Dolphins will be focused on the run as an offense, the defense should pay the same attention – if not more.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Public health cannot operate as a reactionary system that receives attention only during emergencies.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

The Tarrant County Community Supervision and Corrections Department tracked Ponce’s adherence to the bond conditions.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Policies were written, training was delivered and success was often measured by whether an organization could demonstrate adherence—or, worse, by what happened when leadership saw compliance issues cross their desk.

— Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

Holding it all together is the irrepressible Rodri, sweeping up loose balls and snuffing out counter-attacks with a positional awareness few central midfielders match.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Supported by a historic wave of retiring business owners and growing awareness of acquisition entrepreneurship, buying a business has become an increasingly attractive path to ownership.

— Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

Alongside their financial punishment, Newcastle entered into a stringent future-compliance agreement following their breach of UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations (FSR).

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
When parents say no Nick, a 36-year-old who works in environmental compliance, has the polar opposite experience.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Definition of compliance

Noun

Analysts from Goldman Sachs estimated in a note last week that enough Mideast pipeline capacity will likely be added to insulate over 45% of pre-war Gulf exports by the end of next year.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Summer is coming to a close, so end it on a high note with a gorgeous gel manicure.

— Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 19 July 2026

Definition of note

Noun

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
Arbaeen, Shiʿi Muslim observance that marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for the death of al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī, which is commemorated annually on Ashura.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and kindness in churchyards, town squares and in front of the Lincoln Memorial drew large, diverse crowds.

— Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Part of an overall approach to mindfulness is an awareness of one’s surroundings, and celebrating Central Texas culture with mindful movement and creativity is one way to do that.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

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
The film is a reminder that conformity is never compulsory, and that putting yourself out there is the only way to find out who’s ready to catch you.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

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