observation

noun

ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce observation (audio)
Definition of observationnext
1
as in attention
a state of being aware it has come to my observation that you've been missing a lot of school lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law a society in which a strict observation of business etiquette is expected of visiting foreigners

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 observation More than 160 years earlier, Galileo's telescopic observations had revealed mountains, valleys, and craters on the lunar surface, overturning the ancient notion that heavenly bodies were perfect spheres. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 2 July 2026 Several stores, pharmacies and local businesses are adjusting their hours on Saturday, July 4, or closing in observation of Independence Day. — Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 Swift’s mission could have naturally come to an end, but the NASA team wanted to try to extend its scientific observations since no ready replacement exists for the telescope — and test capabilities needed for future exploration. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Increasing numbers of companies are developing satellites, satellite communications systems, Earth-observation technologies, navigation services, and components for the broader space economy. — Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation
  1. attention
  2. adherence
  3. awareness
  4. compliance
  5. note
  6. observance
  7. mindfulness
  8. conformity
Noun
  • In June 2024, Kelce and Swift were at the center of worldwide attention, even though their relationship wasn’t even a year old.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The retro ensemble caught the attention of fans and press everywhere.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • As a result of Holzman’s advocacy and Dylan’s example, the singer-songwriter movement was born, once again proving that American music is defined not by its adherence to the past, but by its capacity for reinvention.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones The Soundcore V20i earbuds have an open-ear design and a unique four-position rotatable hook to optimize stability and situational awareness.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • Treat cybersecurity as an investment in economic competitiveness and national resilience, not simply regulatory compliance.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Faced with a national IT compliance mandate, Sapporo’s city government needed to modernize over one million lines of legacy code, which Kaplan estimated would have normally taken 200 engineering months of work.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Refine a portfolio piece, build a small prototype, or share a draft with someone who gives honest notes.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Signature cocktails feel thoughtful rather than trendy, including the dirty pineapple, a combination of Tulsi gin, pineapple brine, vermouth and Strega orange liqueur that has layers of tropical fruit, herbaceous notes and subtle salinity.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of note
Noun
  • Congress officially designated the last Monday in September to honor that observance.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • The June nonfarm payrolls report is due out Thursday instead of the usual Friday because the market is closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 June 2026
Definition of observance
Noun
  • Its founders built around movement, mindfulness and mind-body connection first; apparel simply became the most scalable expression of that philosophy.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • These holistic mental and physical wellness itineraries incorporate spa treatments and mindfulness modalities such as forest bathing and meditation, private pilates and yoga classes, and food made with organic, sustainable ingredients.
    — Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • Frontman and mastermind Matt Bellamy returns to his longstanding theme of the endless search for something pure and real in a world of conformity, hypocrisy and alienation.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2026
  • Determined to understand what is really going on, two teenagers begin an investigation that leads them to challenge the invaders, their town’s conformity and their own uncertainties.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 25 June 2026
Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant
observation
observational
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Cite this Entry

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on observation

Nglish: Translation of observation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observation

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