powers of observation
plural noun
: ability to notice and pay close attention to things
The author's excellent powers of observation are evident in the book's detailed descriptions.
Examples of powers of observation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spring, who died in 2009, was dubious of mainstream physics and scoffed at the peer-review process, believing more in his own powers of observation.
—
John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Now, Verse’s powers of observation and analysis are double-sided skills.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
And Ross’s own refined lines, his powers of observation and ironclad resistance to cliché yielding perfect descriptions again and again.
—Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
That is, until Morgan proves her knowledge of random trivia (like what direction the wind blows in Los Angeles on which days) and powers of observation can help put the bad guys behind bars.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024
To capture a process of disillusionment requires uncommon patience, plus keen powers of observation.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 14 June 2024
Three writers of recent espionage fiction turn their keen powers of observation on 1950s Los Angeles, current-day Europe and beyond to shed light on their times — and, chillingly, ours.
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024
Adrian Monk's powers of observation might be a gift...and a curse, but the first glimpse of new Peacock project Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie is only a gift.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Oct. 2023
Her powers of observation miss nothing: roughhousing children, bickering adults, pets scampering underfoot.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Now, Verse’s powers of observation and analysis are double-sided skills.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
And Ross’s own refined lines, his powers of observation and ironclad resistance to cliché yielding perfect descriptions again and again.
—Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
That is, until Morgan proves her knowledge of random trivia (like what direction the wind blows in Los Angeles on which days) and powers of observation can help put the bad guys behind bars.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024
To capture a process of disillusionment requires uncommon patience, plus keen powers of observation.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 14 June 2024
Three writers of recent espionage fiction turn their keen powers of observation on 1950s Los Angeles, current-day Europe and beyond to shed light on their times — and, chillingly, ours.
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024
Adrian Monk's powers of observation might be a gift...and a curse, but the first glimpse of new Peacock project Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie is only a gift.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Oct. 2023
Her powers of observation miss nothing: roughhousing children, bickering adults, pets scampering underfoot.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near powers of observation
Cite this Entry
“Powers of observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powers%20of%20observation. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share