Definition of observatorynext
as in tower
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 observatory The space agency had to stop most of the observatory's scientific operations to reduce drag and slow its descent from orbit. Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 June 2026 Now an Illinois state park, the site includes an excellent archaeological museum, the reconstruction of an ancient astronomical observatory called Woodhenge and scores of earthen mounds. Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 The observatory, which is the oldest continuously operating weather observatory in North America, will be closed through Thursday for repairs and is expected to reopen Friday. Neal Riley, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Instead, the Event Horizon Telescope linked radio observatories across the globe using a technique called Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), effectively creating an Earth-sized virtual telescope. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for observatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observatory
Noun
  • In Laguna Beach, canopies — limited in size to 8 feet wide and 6 feet high — are only permitted in line with or behind lifeguard towers on Main Beach and the southernmost section of Aliso Beach.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Last September a new museum opened in Miami’s oldest skyscraper, a Mediterranean Revival building from 1925 modeled after the majestic Giralda cathedral tower in Seville, Spain.
    Ada Ferrer, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Over 82 nights in April, May, September and October, researchers interviewed visitors after dusk at campgrounds, scenic overlooks and parking areas.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 June 2026
  • Inside the monument, hit Harper’s Corner Road, a 31-mile-long (each way) scenic drive delivering a series of dramatic overlooks.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Dogs are natural lookouts who love to survey their territory.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Lin is asking collectors and vendors to be on the lookout and to let the arcade or police know if the cards are spotted.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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