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 suggest that antidepressants are generally safe.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The observational research revealed that consistent heavy drinking over adulthood was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
That was a way in that could also become this wonderful, vivid world of primary colors and plucky kids and eccentric customers, and be very observational and immersive.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
Unlike traditional Western timekeeping, FireThunder says the Lakota calendar is observational rather than numerical.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
Still, the researchers caution that even their current analysis is an observational study from which definitive cause-and-effect conclusions cannot be drawn.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Research shows that dairy consumption among children has declined over the years and some observational studies suggest that full-fat dairy is not clearly associated with higher-obesity risk.
—Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
And large observational studies have found that women who exercise and do strength training cut the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 30%, compared to their less active peers.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 19 Jan. 2026
The researchers now aim to refine the mathematical framework and identify clearer observational signatures that could confirm—or falsify—the picture.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Jan. 2026
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The observational research revealed that consistent heavy drinking over adulthood was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
That was a way in that could also become this wonderful, vivid world of primary colors and plucky kids and eccentric customers, and be very observational and immersive.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026
Unlike traditional Western timekeeping, FireThunder says the Lakota calendar is observational rather than numerical.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
Still, the researchers caution that even their current analysis is an observational study from which definitive cause-and-effect conclusions cannot be drawn.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Research shows that dairy consumption among children has declined over the years and some observational studies suggest that full-fat dairy is not clearly associated with higher-obesity risk.
—Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
And large observational studies have found that women who exercise and do strength training cut the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 30%, compared to their less active peers.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 19 Jan. 2026
The researchers now aim to refine the mathematical framework and identify clearer observational signatures that could confirm—or falsify—the picture.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
-
The answer, supported by 20 years of empirical data, is hiding in plain sight.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Fryer is a professor of economics at Harvard University, whose research combines economic theory, empirical evidence and randomized experiments to help design more effective government policies.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What emerges is a solar market that is no longer experimental, but operational at scale, economically durable, and structurally embedded in the global energy system.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
That hope, of direct experimental confirmation, is only possible if dark matter interacts with either itself or normal matter in a way that leaves a detectable signature.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Share your objective achievements, and frame them in a way that benefits the team and moves the conversation forward.—
Chris Lipp,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Self-reports may offer clues, but don’t pass objective muster.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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