1
as in to obey
to act according to the commands of
you must observe all the rules of this school, not simply the ones that meet with your personal approval
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony
a time when few people in New England observed Christmas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to watch
to keep one's eyes on
happily spent many hours observing the birds at the backyard feeder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to reflect
to make a statement of one's opinion
"I think you might be mistaken," he observed
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
she observed that the weather had changed again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to follow
to take notice of and be guided by
generally observes the suggestions of the experts regarding baby care
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observe
Scientists have only ever observed three such interstellar objects — asteroids and comets that were ejected from other stars and fired into our vicinity — giving us insight into material from other solar systems.
—
Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
Your character spends much of the film observing other people.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2026
Courtesy of The House of Suntory When Taki Nakatani visited New York in 2010 with his The House of Suntory colleague Shinji Fukuyo, who serves as chief blender for the Japanese whisky company, the pair spent their time observing the city’s cocktail scene.
—John Kell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Biofilm was observed inside the soda gun and holster in the bar area.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observe
Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
Your character spends much of the film observing other people.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2026
Courtesy of The House of Suntory When Taki Nakatani visited New York in 2010 with his The House of Suntory colleague Shinji Fukuyo, who serves as chief blender for the Japanese whisky company, the pair spent their time observing the city’s cocktail scene.
—John Kell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Biofilm was observed inside the soda gun and holster in the bar area.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
-
The suspect did not obey the commands and pointed his gun toward the officers, the chief said.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2026
-
However, the department's release said the man did not obey commands and, at one point, was seen pointing the gun at officers.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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The boutique hotel group was created by Kostis Karatzas, who’s also the founder of The Greek Foundation (a platform celebrating Greek creativity) and the publisher of The Athens Guide, meaning there’s an emphasis on connecting guests with the most exciting happenings in this vibrant city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Ashley Judd is celebrating her younger self.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
For a closer look, ask the concierge to arrange a whale-watching boat ride.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
As the performers take the stage for the glitzy grand final on Saturday, many watching will hope the controversy of the run-up is left well behind.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Gambling’s prevalence during sports broadcasts reflects its status as an enormous and growing business in America.—
Luke Connors,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
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But because film is visual, characters cannot merely feel, react, or reflect on the page.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The biggest change many Coloradans will notice is the temperature.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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And Lawrence’s early death, following the failure of the Barbados therapy for his tuberculosis, attenuated even that.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
After Tuesday’s game at Miami, the Braves have two more divisional games with the Marlins yet to play, followed by a home series against a hot-hitting Washington Nationals team (also within the division) this weekend.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
After overseeing a military parade Saturday on Red Square commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, which for the first time in nearly two decades didn’t include heavy weapons, Putin declared the conflict in Ukraine is coming to an end.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Tyler is scheduled to launch a European tour later this month commemorating the 50th anniversary of her recording career.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Simple and streamlined, this linen tank top is one of the most versatile additions to any travel wardrobe—I’m even eyeing it in a few different colors, given its affordable price tag.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
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Altman’s OpenAI, which Musk helped start in 2015 before a contentious split that led to the eventual lawsuit, is valued at more than $850 billion and is eyeing a possible market debut later this year.—
Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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