Definitions

observant

[uhb-zur-vuhnt] / əbˈzɜr vənt /

ADJECTIVE

alert, watchful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive discerning discriminating intelligent mindful perceptive vigilant

WEAK

advertent alive bright clear-sighted comprehending considering contemplating correct deducing detecting discovering eager eagle-eyed heedful intentive interested keen not missing a trick obedient observative on one's toes on the ball penetrating questioning quick regardful searching sensitive sharp sharp-eyed surveying understanding wide-awake

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless heedless inattentive neglectful negligent unaware undiscriminating

WEAK

indifferent thoughtless unmindful unobservant unwatchful

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.

Serkis’ attempt to update this story isn’t a scourge on animation or children’s media; it’s simply not as observant and symbolic as it should be.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

"Ravens are so observant of the landscape that they don't step into traps easily," says Loretto.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

And two Americans: Kenyon, a wry, observant, skeptical humanist sculptor, perhaps a stand-in for Hawthorne himself; and Hilda, a New England Puritan painter—self-possessed, pious, unswervingly loyal, pure as a flight of doves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Blunt, who previously described Dame Jilly as "emotionally intelligent, fantastically generous, sharply observant and utter fun", carried a tote bag with "I love Jilly Cooper" on it.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

I was too cold and too sleepy to be keenly observant, and not sleepy enough to betray my trust so altogether I had a dreary, miserable time.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Vocabulary lists containing observant

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Crenshaw

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