observational
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of observational
First recorded in 1825–35; observation + -al 1
Vocabulary lists containing observational
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In recent years, several observational studies have suggested that GLP-1 drugs may be associated with lower risks for certain cancers or improved outcomes among cancer survivors.
From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026
Because the research is observational, it can’t prove that ultraprocessed foods cause dementia and cognitive impairment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Such observational research alone doesn’t prove that natural food colors harm health.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
The researchers reviewed observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and animal studies focused on repeated weight loss and regain.
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
They unflinchingly respected the accuracy of observational data, and their predictions of the motion of the planets to high precision provided compelling evidence that, at an unexpectedly deep level, humans can understand the Cosmos.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
