as in tower
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
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Recent Examples of observatory
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
Radio astronomy has long relied upon an esoteric workaround: using a technique called interferometry to make arrays of smaller telescopes collectively act as one giant observatory.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 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
See All Example Sentences for observatory
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
Radio astronomy has long relied upon an esoteric workaround: using a technique called interferometry to make arrays of smaller telescopes collectively act as one giant observatory.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 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
See All Example Sentences for observatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatory
Noun
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Cerro San Cristóbal is also a short stroll from The Ritz-Carlton, where gondolas transport you to the top to see the Virgin Mary statue that towers over the city and the beautiful gardens surrounding it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Droves of shoppers are going after cooling household essentials like this Dreo tower fan that offers eight speeds of breezy relief, while another lot of customers just bought this Black+Decker portable air conditioner that blasts super cool air.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
Noun
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The route is rigged with guide ropes and ladders and there are scenic overlooks to stop for water.—
John Otis,
NPR,
30 May 2026
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To cap off the day and this drive, carry on south for even more to explore, from quieter beaches and scenic overlooks to neighborhood gems like Hyde Park and the peaceful Osaka Garden.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
And now everyone was on the lookout for it.—
Olivia Potts,
Longreads,
28 May 2026
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Neighboring agencies were alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observatory. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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