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 The Swedish polymath explores the sounds, language, and imagery of Americana on a drolly observational singer-songwriter album. — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026 Mike Elliott, senior director of Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center, told Banner Health that most of the available research is observational and shows association rather than direct cause. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 The researchers emphasized that this was an observational study with limitations. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 His research explores subjects like gravitational physics, dark matter, dark energy and observational cosmology, according to Harvard's website. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Mustapha rejects the idea that documentary filmmaking can ever be entirely observational, arguing that a camera inevitably changes what happens in front of it. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 The study was retrospective and observational, meaning researchers examined how outcomes differed among participants over time. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Oct. 2026 To help lift this observational darkness, the team turned to data from SPHEREx. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Getting observational data from Thwaites’ grounding line is the next step, Rignot said. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
  1. empirical
  2. experimental
  3. objective
Adjective
  • During high-temperature runs conducted in September, engineers collected new empirical data to evaluate core behavior under extreme heat.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The risks posed by obesity, however, are based on more empirical data.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • Unlike pure experimental rigs, Mark-1 is designed as a commercially representative plant.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kerry Washington and Gemma Chan made the case for understated elegance, while Lauryn Hill and True Whitaker embraced a more experimental streak.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • While everyday Democrats threw their hands up in the air and wondered what on earth was happening, Garland’s Justice Department hemmed and hawed about staying impartial, objective, and neutral in the face of violent authoritarianism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ask for objective information that can be verified, rather than subjective advice, particularly in high-risk health contexts.
    — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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