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
Researchers combined a type of observational learning with intercommunication between its limbs to boost robots’ flexibility.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Frederick Wiseman, the pioneering documentary filmmaker whose penetrating, observational depictions of public institutions raised ethical issues and provoked social examination, has died.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of dementia, according to new observational research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
In a long-term, observational study of nearly 132,000 healthy adults, daily consumption of two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea was associated with lowering dementia risk, slowing cognitive decline and preserving cognitive function.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
These studies, however, are observational and cannot fully rule out other underlying health factors that trigger cognitive breakdown.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
The new study, led by researchers in China, was the first to test something that other groups had documented in observational studies.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Kausik Ray, a professor of public health at Imperial College London who was not involved in the Lancet study, pointed out the need for robust analyses free from the confounding that can plague observational data and anecdotes.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026
What begins as a slow-burn observational documentary gradually reveals itself as an emotionally shattering meditation on grief and perseverance.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Frederick Wiseman, the pioneering documentary filmmaker whose penetrating, observational depictions of public institutions raised ethical issues and provoked social examination, has died.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of dementia, according to new observational research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
In a long-term, observational study of nearly 132,000 healthy adults, daily consumption of two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea was associated with lowering dementia risk, slowing cognitive decline and preserving cognitive function.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
These studies, however, are observational and cannot fully rule out other underlying health factors that trigger cognitive breakdown.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
The new study, led by researchers in China, was the first to test something that other groups had documented in observational studies.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Kausik Ray, a professor of public health at Imperial College London who was not involved in the Lancet study, pointed out the need for robust analyses free from the confounding that can plague observational data and anecdotes.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026
What begins as a slow-burn observational documentary gradually reveals itself as an emotionally shattering meditation on grief and perseverance.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
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But more needs to be done, and there is clear empirical evidence for why the governor and state Legislature should expand funding for these programs in this year’s budget.—
Christopher Martinez,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Moreover, sociology is one of the best empirical fields for interrogating the consequences of different values, for how ideas get built into institutions, for how social networks operate across domains.—
Wendy Nelson Espeland,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With house‑inspired production and a darker, more experimental sound, the mini-album — which sold more than half a million copies in four days — hinted at the group’s creative ambition.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Launched in May 2025, Jan Janz represents a new chapter for the hotel with an experimental fusion cuisine of Asian flavors spearheaded by their Filipino head chef.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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McMahon’s rise is built on her own expertise and charisma, but may also indicate a widespread desire for a trusted teacher who can offer objective context and historical background in turbulent times.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
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But when things go wrong or when an administration encourages ICE agents to push legal boundaries, an objective record becomes essential to holding those in power accountable.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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