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 This kaleidoscopic introduction recalls the work of Percival Lowell, a 19th-century astronomer name-dropped in passing, who claimed to have discovered advanced irrigation on the red planet by way of telescopic observation. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Then deploy in waves, keep the observation layer running and stop treating any of it as a project. — Manish Garg, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 This new jet stream formation popped up in the Hubble Space Telescope’s sights in 2023 after earlier observations came up empty. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 Communications equipment, sensors, and observation systems all compete for limited payload capacity. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 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
  • Matt Bevin has for months claimed Johnson is unable to afford him a fair trial and is using the case to gain attention from the media.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the part of the guarantee-game economy that deserves more attention now.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Catering to the Volume, Not the Power User From a purely capitalistic standpoint, power users who demand high literacy, strict prompt adherence, and investigative rigor represent a tiny fraction of Google's user base.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • If our readers question our adherence to that basic tenet of journalism, our credibility will be at stake.
    — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • Yandel is recognized for his support of community and educational initiatives, mental health awareness and emerging Latino talent.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But even her awareness can’t be constant, as shown by a scene that played out just this summer.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Once home, hunched over a Nespresso, Tracey attended to the buildup on her iPhone, saving Lois’s WhatsApp voice note till last.
    — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Davis Polk's client note describes the package as continuing bombardment rather than storming the beaches, built from existing authorities.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of note
Noun
  • The school and church asked for privacy on Remembrance Day; observances on campus will not open to the public.
    — Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Another prominent change to the global observance of dates came in 1867 when Alaska was purchased as a US territory.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of observance
Noun
  • Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • My work has explored how technology can help measure and promote these connections for better health, such as by tracking activity through wearables or delivering mindfulness training through mobile apps.
    — Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • Anyone could guess going into this album that Erykah’s sticking points are groupthink, conformity, and phone obsession.
    — Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Jones made rejection her trademark, rebelling against conformity and embracing an image and music that pushed boundaries and refused labels.
    — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant
observation
observational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on observation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observation

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