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
Those are only what’s observable, with many ships known to sail through with their transponders off to avoid digital detection. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026 The system is designed to be observable and controllable rather than fully autonomous. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2026 The gateway earns its place where an integration is shared, permissioned, observable or reused across many agents, and buyers should be honest about how much of their tool access clears that bar. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 For Gershman, who is searching for a way to study memory at a molecular level and connect it to observable behavior, the question was an itch that had to be scratched. — Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of observable for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observable

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