as in lookouts
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 observatories
The active region that produced the eruption had already generated several powerful flares in the preceding days, prompting scientists to keep multiple solar observatories focused on the area.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
According to the Associated Press, these observatories track everything from ocean circulation and marine ecosystems to climate change and extreme weather.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 14 June 2026
Radio observatories designed to detect extremely faint signals from deep space now have to cope with interference from large satellite constellations.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the observatories have tracked everything from ocean circulation and marine ecosystems to climate change and extreme weather.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
New observatories and spacecraft missions are probing environments in our solar system that could potentially host life but have long remained hidden.
—Gideon Yoffe, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Past observations by Hubble and other observatories have picked up outflows of gas from NGC 1266, lending further support to this theory of why so few new stars are being born there.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
In Western Australia, 89% of visitors surveyed showed interest in traveling specifically for stargazing, and the sector continues to grow through astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves, aurora viewing, dark sky festivals and astrophotography destinations.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
According to the Associated Press, these observatories track everything from ocean circulation and marine ecosystems to climate change and extreme weather.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 14 June 2026
Radio observatories designed to detect extremely faint signals from deep space now have to cope with interference from large satellite constellations.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the observatories have tracked everything from ocean circulation and marine ecosystems to climate change and extreme weather.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
New observatories and spacecraft missions are probing environments in our solar system that could potentially host life but have long remained hidden.
—Gideon Yoffe, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Past observations by Hubble and other observatories have picked up outflows of gas from NGC 1266, lending further support to this theory of why so few new stars are being born there.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
In Western Australia, 89% of visitors surveyed showed interest in traveling specifically for stargazing, and the sector continues to grow through astronomical observatories, dark sky preserves, aurora viewing, dark sky festivals and astrophotography destinations.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatories
Noun
-
What to see today There are plenty of hikes and lookouts throughout the park, from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater to the petroglyph field, featuring ancient rock carvings, along the Chain of Craters Road.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
Inland, Dunk Island is covered in lush rainforest, with several trails leading to lookouts, quiet beaches, and the island’s high point, Mount Kootaloo, which sits at 900 feet above sea level.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Solow combined the properties to build 9 West 57th Street, one of midtown’s iconic office towers, with its imposing façade that slopes up and away from the street and sweeping views of Central Park available to anyone willing to pay some of the city’s highest office rents.—
Reeves Wiedeman,
Curbed,
22 June 2026
-
Schools hosting cell towers keep a third of that revenue; CPS redistributes the rest to all campuses, the district said.—
Mila Koumpilova,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
The 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers beautiful overlooks.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2026
-
The drive also provides access to overlooks, nature walks, hiking trails, restaurants, breweries and historic sites across several mountain towns.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatories. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
