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 Yellowstone is monitored using seismometers, GPS stations, satellite observations, and instruments that track water and gas chemistry. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Besides using drones for aerial surveillance, USDA has also relied on stationary cameras installed near trails to make more than 26,000 animal observations. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Drawing on years of clinical observation in his practice, Khalsa helped shift the conversation from the old rickets-prevention mindset toward a broader recognition of vitamin D as a foundational hormone. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In Birthright, progressive American Jews are seeing some form of their own experience, observations, and conflicting feelings represented, many for the first time. — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for observation

Noun

Temperature control requires some attention, as the trailers can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cool dramatically after dark.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Bernard gets more of the attention; Weru, a native of Kenya, was an international rugby player who is now learning football.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

But parties tend to resist arrangements designed by others, and when they are pressured into accepting them, their adherence lasts only as long as the pressure is sustained.

— Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
In that trial, adherence was slightly lower, and one participant acquired HIV.

— Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherence

Noun

The accessory resembles the yellow Livestrong wristband, part of a cancer awareness campaign launched by cyclist Lance Armstrong’s foundation.

— Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Trade shows, intimate satellite gatherings, and virtual conferences serve as critical infrastructure for product launches, brand awareness, and business development.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

Smarkets has had to confront each state’s provisions for its platform to operate as sportsbooks, including abiding to high compliance and tax costs.

— Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
The proposal could also allow some drivers to avoid further penalties by correcting their vehicle's modifications and bringing it into compliance.

— Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of compliance

Noun

Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
The festival occurs alongside Rohan Posh, a cultural observance on the same day.

— Umar Farooq, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of observance

Noun

Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
August is National Wellness Month, and mental health experts are encouraging people to prioritize healthy habits like getting enough sleep, staying active, practicing mindfulness, and making time for preventive care.

— Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

Anish Koka is a practicing cardiologist in Philadelphia who writes, week after week, about the conformity of his profession and about what his colleagues believe privately and will not say publicly.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of observation

noun

Example Sentences

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