as in empirical
based on observation or experience
her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence
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Recent Examples of observational
Over the 80s, 90s, and 00s, those predictions were tested and confirmed, with inflation passing every observational test thus far.
—
Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Known for his sharp, observational humor and love of cats, Kaszas currently releases 20-40 minutes of new, original stand-up material on his YouTube channel weekly.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
To change the perspective on studying tea and bone health, researchers in China explored the potential link without leaning on observational data.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
These benefits align with observational studies linking higher pear intake with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
The observational study also identifies an association, but does not prove that the beverages caused liver issues.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Because this was an observational study and not a randomized trial, researchers caution that more research is needed before healthcare practitioners can safely prescribe GLP-1s to treat psoriasis itself.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Some observational reports suggest that birds sing as if dawn has returned when the sunlight comes back, while others show an increase in bird sounds during the darkness—a discrepancy that could come down to some birds being more active at night and others being more active during the day.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
Leto gives him a Zen countenance and a wry observational mode to contrast his formidable fight skills.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Known for his sharp, observational humor and love of cats, Kaszas currently releases 20-40 minutes of new, original stand-up material on his YouTube channel weekly.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
To change the perspective on studying tea and bone health, researchers in China explored the potential link without leaning on observational data.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
These benefits align with observational studies linking higher pear intake with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
The observational study also identifies an association, but does not prove that the beverages caused liver issues.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Because this was an observational study and not a randomized trial, researchers caution that more research is needed before healthcare practitioners can safely prescribe GLP-1s to treat psoriasis itself.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Some observational reports suggest that birds sing as if dawn has returned when the sunlight comes back, while others show an increase in bird sounds during the darkness—a discrepancy that could come down to some birds being more active at night and others being more active during the day.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
Leto gives him a Zen countenance and a wry observational mode to contrast his formidable fight skills.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observational
Adjective
-
Similar to finding that planets do not orbit the earth, the search for economics anomalies requires searching for empirical facts that cannot (easily) be explained using the standard economic model where everyone chooses by optimizing and makes no systematic mistakes.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Developed over two years, the CCI aims to give brands an empirical readout of how social, search and site traffic activity correspond with real economic indicators, from consumer demand to share-price performance.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The museum also has an experimental concrete house designed by award-winning architect Dave Sellers that can be booked for stays.—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The whole field was turning into an ideological battleground between proponents of experimental physics, which became known as Deutsche Physik, and theoretical physics, labeled Jüdische Physik.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That same day, the moon will reach its first-quarter phase in Aquarius, reminding us to remain objective amidst the swirling intensity brought on by the sun’s journey through Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
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The role of the traditional dining critic is to present authentic, objective restaurant experiences to the public.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observational. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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