as in empirical
based on observation or experience
her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 observational
The skits, which Barker writes with and acts in opposite Tomlinson, tend to involve an abrupt turn from observational comedy into darker or more surreal territory.
—
Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
This intimate drama blends elements of tragicomedy and an observational road movie.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 May 2026
These patterns were consistent across populations and may represent early biological changes, raising the possibility that gut microbiome testing could one day help identify risk earlier, though the research is still observational and does not prove cause and effect.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
This observational power is crucial for gathering the data needed to calibrate eruptive mass loss.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
The research was prompted by emerging observational data suggesting GLP-1 drugs may reduce asthma exacerbations, mainly in patients with diabetes, said Ruchi Patel, MD, lead researcher of the study and a resident physician at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
For most astronomers and astrophysicists, this was the nail-in-the-coffin of alternative gravity theories, as this direct test from the natural laboratory of the Universe seemed to decide the matter with direct observational data.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Adamson was involved in an observational study, published in 2024, of 30 combat veterans with traumatic brain injuries who underwent ibogaine treatment in Mexico.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
This intimate drama blends elements of tragicomedy and an observational road movie.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 May 2026
These patterns were consistent across populations and may represent early biological changes, raising the possibility that gut microbiome testing could one day help identify risk earlier, though the research is still observational and does not prove cause and effect.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
This observational power is crucial for gathering the data needed to calibrate eruptive mass loss.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
The research was prompted by emerging observational data suggesting GLP-1 drugs may reduce asthma exacerbations, mainly in patients with diabetes, said Ruchi Patel, MD, lead researcher of the study and a resident physician at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
For most astronomers and astrophysicists, this was the nail-in-the-coffin of alternative gravity theories, as this direct test from the natural laboratory of the Universe seemed to decide the matter with direct observational data.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Adamson was involved in an observational study, published in 2024, of 30 combat veterans with traumatic brain injuries who underwent ibogaine treatment in Mexico.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
-
These systems are key for assessing trajectory, guidance behavior, and reentry vehicle deployment, providing the empirical data necessary to certify the missile’s operational readiness.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
4 May 2026
-
In practice, these companies also seem to be selling an empirical assessment of worker productivity, down to the minute.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Instead, this latest effort represents the incremental progress essential to experimental science, where errors and uncertainties are identified and quantified, and future generations of scientists can build upon it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
-
The search was prompted by soil vapor sampling, an experimental technology that detected volatile organic compounds potentially associated with decomposing human remains — though the method remains unproven in criminal investigations.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
The important part is to always be fair and objective.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
In this case, the value is given by the ratio between costs and revenues, and it can been quantified in an objective way (although the calculation is very complex).—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
