OBSERVATION Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

observation

noun

ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən

Definition of observation

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 These observations shape whether employees believe their leader genuinely cares about them as people. — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Based on his observations thus far, Spasojevic believes the burros could play an important role in the local ecosystem by grazing on non-native grasses and preventing them from overtaking native plants. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Within months of nuclear fission’s first experimental observations in 1939, Germany was investigating its practical applications in what would become known as Uranprojekt. — Mike McRae 06, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026 According to local reports, some 200 people have been put under medical observation, or quarantined, in the Siberian area of Irkutsk. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

While the Blue Demon induces perceptual disorientation, the Rooster privileges visual attention and the architectural discipline of gaze.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
But while Antetokounmpo gets most of the attention as the Heat’s new star, Adebayo will again be relied on to be the team’s leader.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

As part of the settlement, Paramount agreed to the formation of an editorial oversight board that will monitor adherence to editorial independence from its owners and shareholders.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
But any long-term solution will depend on the physical condition of its campus, its adherence to its original mission as a living memorial and the reliable, responsible and accountable governance of its leaders.

— E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

As awareness grows, primary-care doctors and gynecologists are likely to see more patients asking about scent changes.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
The award is presented by the American Heart Association to celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and funds for its mission.

— PJ Green October 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

Judging by the looks on display that night, the brand’s slinky, minimalist vibe is still hitting the right note.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
Trump hit the same note during a campaign swing through Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, arguing the economy was better than its public perception.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of note

Noun

Courts are closed In observance of California Native American Day, which is celebrated every year on the fourth Friday of September.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Groups of implicatures Grice identified three broad groups of implicatures generated through the observance, violation, or flouting of maxims in keeping with the cooperative principle.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

The sailing is also designated as one of the line’s Wellness at Sea sailings, bringing together wellness, fitness, and mindfulness sessions all led by experts.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026
Strangely enough, they can be calmed by conducting mindfulness exercises.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

The Orwellian parallels and Cold War overtones are strong on this particular planet, where a hive-mind entity enforces conformity through mass surveillance and zero-tolerance punishments.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
That sense of propriety was partly imposed upon him by his father, who, in covering up John’s misdeed, placed an albatross around his son’s neck, demanding his conformity to a narrow sort of principle.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of conformity

Browse Nearby Words

observant

observation

observational

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Style

“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

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