1
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
if you were more observant, you would perceive that something is troubling her deeply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something
observant viewers will notice that the position of hero's facial wound changes in the course of the scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 observant
Despite not being particularly observant, one tradition among the family has always been having a Shabbat dinner, of which Salamon had fond memories.
—
Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Also known as the Day of Atonement, observant Jews are to spend the day in prayer and self-reflection; baseball was not on the agenda.
—Robert Gudmestad, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
This was a surprising reversal, as my parents, much to the disappointment of our extended family, had never been particularly observant.
—Nicolaia Rips, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet on Saturday to approve the strike — a highly unusual meeting, with many religiously observant ministers arriving on the Sabbath.
—Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for observant 
Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Also known as the Day of Atonement, observant Jews are to spend the day in prayer and self-reflection; baseball was not on the agenda.
—Robert Gudmestad, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
This was a surprising reversal, as my parents, much to the disappointment of our extended family, had never been particularly observant.
—Nicolaia Rips, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet on Saturday to approve the strike — a highly unusual meeting, with many religiously observant ministers arriving on the Sabbath.
—Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for observant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observant
Adjective
-
Bucks that seem alert and nervous — look for twitchy ears and a constantly bobbing head — are more likely to detect you movement and are also more likely to duck arrows.Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
-
Other cultures took naps during the day to adapt to intense midday temperatures or feel more alert during nighttime dangers.Carley Millhone, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Japan’s Ministry of Defense in Tokyo vowed to remain vigilant, to continue to gather information and to monitor the situation closely.Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
-
But as with any potential emerging disease, staying vigilant is key.Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
But that isn’t to say jolting awake shortly after turning out the lights is cause to schedule an MRI scan.Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
-
Here Catherine is again, unable to stay awake and protect her son.Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Because of this, absorbed sunlight isn’t reradiated in every direction equally but in some directions more than others.Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2024
-
Chemical sunscreen, also called absorbed sunscreen, works by absorbing the UV rays, converting them to heat and releasing them from the body.Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 7 July 2024
Adjective
-
In stage one the car is controlled remotely by a watchful parent.Vijay Govindarajan, Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Harvard Business Review, 1 Nov. 2024
-
An oncologist who, in the face of this much evidence, shrugged and proposed watchful waiting as the best therapy would not be an optimist.Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
These people, and many other Americans, weren’t interested in the politics of joy that Kamala Harris and the other law school grads were offering.David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
For a moment, the film seems interested in the ambiguity of that tension.Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Whenever possible, athletic trainers should be on the sidelines to support student-athletes, Master said, and athletes should be aware of concussion symptoms in themselves and their teammates and seek care right away.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
Be aware of how media habits may be affecting your sleep or mood.Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Consistent eye contact and attentive body language create a connection that transcends words, making each team member feel valued.Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
-
Meals are served oceanside in elegant, open-air restaurants, where the service is attentive but never intrusive.Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near observant
Cite this Entry
“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share