as in empirical
based on observation or experience
her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observational
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
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, observational studies suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might offer cardiovascular benefits.
—
Emma Fenske,
The Conversation,
2 July 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
However, the study was observational and does not prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia.
—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
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
In observational studies, scientists analyze existing data, trying to match subjects and factor in potential biases.
—
Elise M. Brett,
EverydayHealth.com,
26 June 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
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 July 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
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
However, the study was observational and does not prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia.
—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
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
In observational studies, scientists analyze existing data, trying to match subjects and factor in potential biases.
—
Elise M. Brett,
EverydayHealth.com,
26 June 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
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These results are the empirical fuel SkyDrive needs to advance its certification process with Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and, eventually, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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While empirical evidence shows that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer and more intense, the changes experienced by people around the world -- including how the heat impacts them both during the day and at night -- has not yet been well-studied, the researchers said.
Adjective
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To verify what was happening inside the material, the team combined several experimental techniques.
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All three have released solo albums that further expand their palettes, moving into ambient (Vida), experimental (Stardrum), and singer/songwriter (Epstein) realms.
Adjective
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An objective outsider can help challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and provide a perspective that may be difficult to maintain from inside the situation.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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