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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observant
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality.
—
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
The quirkiness extends to Elsbeth herself, who possesses, some might say, a peculiar personality, one that seems to make her hyper observant and well-suited to solve unconventional crimes.
—Anne Easton, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The study also shows that there are many people who are religiously observant but don’t necessarily identify with a particular denomination.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Many of his poems turn on the problem of having a mind—of simply being conscious, observant, in our weird human way, while existence churns through us and beyond us.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observant
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
The quirkiness extends to Elsbeth herself, who possesses, some might say, a peculiar personality, one that seems to make her hyper observant and well-suited to solve unconventional crimes.
—Anne Easton, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The study also shows that there are many people who are religiously observant but don’t necessarily identify with a particular denomination.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Many of his poems turn on the problem of having a mind—of simply being conscious, observant, in our weird human way, while existence churns through us and beyond us.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observant
Adjective
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Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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The man appeared alert, yelling and craning his head as he was hoisted into the vehicle.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the law itself stands firm, its power has always depended on vigilant enforcement.—
Lindsey Darvin,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night and be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The new study, done by Zetian Yang and Michael Long of New York University, managed to place fine electrodes into this area of the brain in both species and track the activity of neurons there while the birds were awake and going about normal activities.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
19 Mar. 2025
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Moore tried to shake the toddler awake but with no luck, rushed her to the hospital.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
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Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.—
Erwin A. Bauer,
Outdoor Life,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The more recent batch of 15 wolves came from B.C. and they were released (under the watchful eyes of many concerned ranchers) in Eagle and Pitkin Counties this January.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
27 Mar. 2025
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Denim manufacturers are soldiering on, leaning on innovation and their internal capabilities to drive business while also keeping a watchful eye on the situation.—
Carved in Blue,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Albers and colleagues are interested in whether olfactory dysfunction — the sometimes-subtle loss of sense of smell — can serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and traumatic brain injury.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2025
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The founders, Robert Wright and Tiberio Lobo-Navia, are especially interested in Moroccan rugs as canvases for storytelling and cultural representation.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2025
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Our brains are aware of inconsistencies in the imagery at a detailed level, even if the exact nature of these inconsistencies eludes our conscious perception.—
Rob Salkowitz,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Will the many people who can’t get off the hamster wheel of attention-wrangling on social media today become attached to A.I. lovers that are ceaselessly attentive, loyal, flattering, and comforting?—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observant. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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