Synonyms

observational

American

[ob-zur-vey-shuh-nl] / ˌɒb zɜrˈveɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

of, relating to, or founded on observation, especially founded on observation rather than experiment.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of observational

First recorded in 1825–35; observation + -al ¹

Vocabulary lists containing observational

Part 4 Vocabulary & Literary Terms (Unit 3)

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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.

Because this was an observational study, it cannot prove that French fries directly cause diabetes.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 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

These studies were observational, which differs from research done on drugs to study intended effects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Earlier registry and observational studies have already raised red flags about potential downsides of this surgery.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

Their existence can be ignored because it would have no observational consequences.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023