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
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
The intricate structure of the nebula has been examined by some of the most powerful observatories ever created — including the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope — revealing the secrets of the star-forming region while also highlighting its beauty.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Hotspots for dark-sky tourism include the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the vast desert silence of Damaraland, the granite landscapes around Spitzkoppe and the remote ranchlands surrounding Gamsberg, the latter home to observatories and exceptionally low light pollution.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 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
Mapping ancient structures The James Webb telescope’s infrared instruments allowed astronomers to detect faint galaxies hidden from older observatories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
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
The intricate structure of the nebula has been examined by some of the most powerful observatories ever created — including the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope — revealing the secrets of the star-forming region while also highlighting its beauty.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Hotspots for dark-sky tourism include the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the vast desert silence of Damaraland, the granite landscapes around Spitzkoppe and the remote ranchlands surrounding Gamsberg, the latter home to observatories and exceptionally low light pollution.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 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
Mapping ancient structures The James Webb telescope’s infrared instruments allowed astronomers to detect faint galaxies hidden from older observatories.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 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
-
Officials said the fireworks will be launched from the east side of the bridge between the two towers, along with a barge off the bridge and a second barge near Pier 39.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Take the scenic drive down Cape Royal Road, which has access to scenic overlooks like Point Imperial, the North Rim's highest point at 8,803 feet.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Plan to spend as much time as needed to pull over at scenic overlooks, explore the trails, and take in the beautiful desert setting.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatories. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
