observational

adjective

Definition of observationalnext
as in empirical
based on observation or experience her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 observational However, the study was observational and does not prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia. — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 29 June 2026 That transition — from looking casually to carefully observing, first with powerful optics and then navigating with the naked eye — is what observational astronomy is all about. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 July 2026 According to one observational study carried out in Japan, emotional eaters were less likely to see significant weight changes when using a GLP-1 drug treatment. — Nadine Wehida, Scientific American, 25 June 2026 In observational studies, scientists analyze existing data, trying to match subjects and factor in potential biases. — Elise M. Brett, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2026 Based on large observational studies and national guidelines, experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to help lower blood pressure. — Laura Schober, Health, 29 June 2026 While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Still, an observational study involving over 400 adolescents conducted by the University of Newcastle found that more than 85% of participants aged under 16 reported using social media during the three months after the ban came into effect. — Ainslie Chandler, Fortune, 27 June 2026 Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, observational studies suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might offer cardiovascular benefits. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
  1. empirical
  2. experimental
  3. objective
Adjective
  • While there have been many lawsuits and much news reporting, there has been little empirical research testing whether a concentration in treatment centers are tied to a significant increase in overdoses in the area, the report said.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
  • The surge also did considerable damage to the buildings within the surge zone, 85% of which were residential buildings, according to New York University's Furman Center, an empirical research institution.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • To verify what was happening inside the material, the team combined several experimental techniques.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • All three have released solo albums that further expand their palettes, moving into ambient (Vida), experimental (Stardrum), and singer/songwriter (Epstein) realms.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 3 July 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • An objective outsider can help challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and provide a perspective that may be difficult to maintain from inside the situation.
    — Amy Powell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But the disagreement ultimately has less to do with objective criteria—such as the effects of climate change in Europe, which is warming twice as fast as the global average—than subjective questions about what constitutes an acceptable level of physical suffering and sacrifice.
    — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of objective

Browse Nearby Words

observation
observational
observations
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Cite this Entry

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

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