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 This severely limits the search parameters in which dark photons could exist — so much so that many cosmological observations rule out the existence of dark photons. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Most locations may just experience low overcast, but isolated locations and a handful of observations have reported visibility as low as a quarter of a mile. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 Our business has no fix for that, so our observations get written down and thrown into a production report. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 Heat emissions from the satellites would also interfere with infrared observations, and their communications with ground stations or other spacecraft could pose problems for radio astronomy. — Arielle Frommer, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

Women didn’t have to follow the diet perfectly, though—even moderate adherence was associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

— Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 20 Aug. 2026
Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.

— Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

The accessory resembles the yellow Livestrong wristband, part of a cancer awareness campaign launched by cyclist Lance Armstrong’s foundation.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Trade shows, intimate satellite gatherings, and virtual conferences serve as critical infrastructure for product launches, brand awareness, and business development.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

Smarkets has had to confront each state’s provisions for its platform to operate as sportsbooks, including abiding to high compliance and tax costs.

— Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
The proposal could also allow some drivers to avoid further penalties by correcting their vehicle's modifications and bringing it into compliance.

— Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of compliance

Noun

Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
The festival occurs alongside Rohan Posh, a cultural observance on the same day.

— Umar Farooq, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
August is National Wellness Month, and mental health experts are encouraging people to prioritize healthy habits like getting enough sleep, staying active, practicing mindfulness, and making time for preventive care.

— Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

Central to the reorganization is an institutional separation between standard setting and conformity assessment—the process used to determine whether a product, facility or company satisfies those standards.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Such requirements can make conversations about significant moral issues – even controversial ones, like the morality of Mangione’s actions – little more than demands for conformity.

— Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant

observation

observational

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

Example Sentences

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