as in empirical
based on observation or experience
her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence
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Recent Examples of observational
Some observational studies have found weak associations between frequent acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism and ADHD.
—
Dr. Craig Spencer, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Over the 1960s and 1970s, as well as ever since, a combination of observational and theoretical advances unequivocally demonstrated the success of the Big Bang in describing our Universe and predicting its properties.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
For example, an observational study published in June in the found that older veterans who received RSV shots were about 80 percent less likely to develop an infection, visit an emergency department or urgent care or be hospitalized compared with unvaccinated veterans.
—Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025
The discovery provides rare observational evidence that some galaxies now found in isolation may actually be survivors of violent ejections from dense galactic groups.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Some observational studies have linked moderate intake to better health outcomes compared to non-drinkers, but these findings may be influenced by other factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, diet, or pre-existing health conditions.
—Laura Schober, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
This research confirms what prior observational studies have suggested, this time in a randomized study.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
One person's observational eye caught a detail that spoke volumes about the man's character.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
But in Train Dreams, that stillness feels observational, taking in a world full of senseless injustice and capricious fate set amid the stunning beauty of the western states.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Dr. Craig Spencer, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Over the 1960s and 1970s, as well as ever since, a combination of observational and theoretical advances unequivocally demonstrated the success of the Big Bang in describing our Universe and predicting its properties.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
For example, an observational study published in June in the found that older veterans who received RSV shots were about 80 percent less likely to develop an infection, visit an emergency department or urgent care or be hospitalized compared with unvaccinated veterans.
—Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025
The discovery provides rare observational evidence that some galaxies now found in isolation may actually be survivors of violent ejections from dense galactic groups.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Some observational studies have linked moderate intake to better health outcomes compared to non-drinkers, but these findings may be influenced by other factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, diet, or pre-existing health conditions.
—Laura Schober, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
This research confirms what prior observational studies have suggested, this time in a randomized study.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
One person's observational eye caught a detail that spoke volumes about the man's character.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
But in Train Dreams, that stillness feels observational, taking in a world full of senseless injustice and capricious fate set amid the stunning beauty of the western states.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
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Today our data may be unassailably empirical, but our emotions are very much apocalyptic.—
Ed Simon
September 24,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
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Yet many mysteries remain, and plenty of myths and pseudoscientific claims surrounding the brain are still out there — many based on either misunderstandings of the empirical data or the misleading promises of hucksters.—
Kevin Dickinson,
Big Think,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The team’s improvements spanned software optimizations, experimental techniques, and advanced engineering, enabling bit-flip times far beyond previous levels.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
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UniQure — The biotech firm's stock soared nearly 9% after a clinical trial found the company's experimental gene therapy for Huntington's slowed the progress of the neurodegenerative disease.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Defamation concerns false statements that are couched as factual and objective.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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The study’s large sample size and use of objective data strengthen the reliability of these findings.—
Jack McNamara,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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