OBSERVATIONAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

observational

adjective

Definition of observational next

as in empirical

based on observation or experience her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence

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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 scientific evidence behind the drug so far consists mostly of small observational studies and open-label trials. —

Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 Analyses have found that, like any observational study design, there are potential biases, but it’s generally considered to produce reliable estimates when those biases are controlled. —

Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026 Researchers started noticing something peculiar over the years of observational data. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026 Soder is a comic’s comic whose sharp observational style and affable demeanor has earned him a strong reputation on the club circuit. —

Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026 Field-trip training To hone their observational skills, the Artemis 2 crew did classroom training in lunar fundamentals. —

Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026 The systemic review included 28 observational studies with more than 86,000 participants who were followed for at least one year after experiencing a minor stroke. —

Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 While many effects are identical, the observational challenges are far more severe for gravitational waves. —

Big Think, 3 Apr. 2026 This type of study combines and analyzes results from multiple previous investigations — in this case four observational studies that included nearly 37,000 pregnancies. —

Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational

Adjective

But a new, experimental blood test developed by researchers at Duke Health and the University of Minnesota might someday provide empirical clues — at least in the sense of short-term survival.

— Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
There is also growing empirical evidence that poorly implemented AI simply increases work intensity — flooding organizations with output that still requires human attention, judgment, and correction.

— Omar Abbosh, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026