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.

The researchers caution that the study was observational, meaning it can identify associations but cannot prove that nitrate directly causes dementia.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 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

Because the study was observational and conducted at a single medical center, it cannot prove that low vitamin D directly caused the increase in pain.

From Science Daily • May 20, 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