Thesaurus results for BYSTANDER

bystander

noun

ˈbī-ˌstan-dər

Definition of bystander

as in observer

someone who sees or watches something bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of bystander Three children and a teacher were gunned down Thursday afternoon in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, and the 16-year-old suspect was fatally shot by an armed bystander, according to police. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 Rather than concentrating solely on those responsible, Terzić widens the circle to the classmates who were silent bystanders who never intervened. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The suspect, a 16-year-old male, was shot and killed by a bystander, police said. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Police have not yet released any information about the bystander who stopped the suspect, but the hero was identified by family as Kaylub Giamanco. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander

Noun

This disturbing contradiction suggests that different physical laws apply to the observer and the observed.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
In a video of the incident posted to social media, a black SUV was seen driving down the residential street before appearing to strike an observer as other observers blew whistles in warning of approaching agents.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

The race would bring teams, corporate partners, international media and spectators to Rwanda, creating opportunities to promote tourism and attract business.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
In the Stands Jaden quickly became a tennis spectator, as he and Steffi were spotted in the stands during one of Andre’s matches during the 2002 US Open.

— Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Ramaswamy’s campaign released a video featuring Acton’s mother, Donna Arthur, who tells viewers not to vote for her daughter.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026
More American viewers are likely to recognize Jay Z than Lamar or Bad Bunny, even if the latter is a massive international attraction.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of viewer

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byroads

bystander

bystanders

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“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bystander

noun

Example Sentences

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