observable

1 of 2

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
Synonyms of observablenext
1
: noteworthy
the trend is observable all over the country
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
the size of the observable universe
observability
əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce observable (audio)
noun
observable noun
observably
əb-ˈzər-və-blē How to pronounce observable (audio)
adverb

observability

2 of 2

noun

ob·​serv·​abil·​i·​ty əbˌzərvəˈbilətē How to pronounce observability (audio)
-zə̄v-, 
-zəiv-, 
-lətē, 
-i
: capacity for or possibility of being observed

Synonyms of observable

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Adjective

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Examples of observable in a Sentence

Adjective the size of the observable universe scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Sar2901 has since faded from view but should be observable again around mid-to-late November, according to the Minor Planet Center. — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The fighter jet integrates low-observable stealth characteristics with advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and networked information sharing. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 This is something that has been observable by criminologists, like crime relocation is a real thing. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026 One approach to understanding them, probing what goes in and what comes out, resembles behaviorism, a once-dominant field of psychology that studied only observable behavior. — Arryn Robbins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

Rhymes for observable

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Browse Nearby Words

observability
observable
observance
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Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably
-blē How to pronounce observable (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observable

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