OBSERVANT Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

observant

adjective

əb-ˈzər-vənt

Definition of observant

as in alert

paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity if you were more observant, you would perceive that something is troubling her deeply

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in focused

having the mind fixed on something observant viewers will notice that the position of hero's facial wound changes in the course of the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 observant French officials and many educators say secularism in public schools and other institutions protects less observant and nonreligious people from pressure while leaving everyone free to worship in private. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 La Gradiva takes a tragic turn in its final act that forces a reexamination of the loose, observant filmmaking that led to it. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 People tend to be more observant after seeing social media posts or news reports about snake encounters or bites. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 The Beth Din of America, a rabbinical court in New York City, arbitrates disputes for observant Jews under Jewish law. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observant

Adjective

But homeowners with gardens and trees should be alert as warmer temperatures mean many plants could struggle to retain moisture.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2026
Kindel — who the Penguins said is conscious, alert and in stable condition — was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of alert

Adjective

Lacy said people should always be vigilant when walking in a public space, and urged people to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Even the ads that are supposedly okay for kids can be overstimulating and aggressive, so try to be vigilant on those, too.

— Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of vigilant

Adjective

Especially now, younger kids are so immersed in social media and people are trying to fabricate themselves or polish and airbrush their lives and appearances.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of immersed

Adjective

Just one day earlier, he was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf and ordered by doctors to stay awake overnight, according to NFL insiders, who report the quarterback did not sleep for roughly 36 hours.

— Mark Osborne, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
The exact story of how coffee was discovered isn’t known for sure, but one popular legend says an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi noticed that when his goats ate from a red berry plant, they were infused with energy and stayed awake all night.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of awake

Adjective

Unabsorbed calcium leaves the body through stool, and absorbed calcium that isn't needed may be filtered by the kidneys and leave in urine—often within about a day.

— Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.

— Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 25 Dec. 2024

Definition of absorbed

Adjective

Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Eufy Indoor Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your pets and living space with the dual-lens Eufy S350 4K Indoor Security Camera.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

Here, the idea that Hollywood is truly interested in the creative possibilities of a fanfic-originating adaptation becomes weak.

— Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
No one interested in pondering what looks like an intractably difficult conflict need turn their attention to Iran or Israel.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of interested

Browse Nearby Words

observances

observant

observation

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of observant

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes