Definition of bystandernext
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 Michael Pretti, Alex's father, said this week that the family is still troubled by the bystander videos of the shooting. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Michael Pretti, Alex’s father, said this week that the family is still troubled by the bystander videos of the shooting. — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Instead of calling and waiting for medical responders, Antevy said a bystander should begin CPR immediately. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 FalcoNet, meanwhile, has drawn criticism from advocacy groups concerned the technology is used to unconstitutionally track not only suspects but also innocent bystanders. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander
Noun
  • The political hardball and outside money have left some observers weary.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • There were two--count 'em, two--stories bumping off the top of the front page Tuesday, both about election observers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Over the weekend, spectators gathered at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racecourse for an evening of horse racing, despite the fact that the track is barely three miles from the airport.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Hellerstein, known for a quirky independent streak and strict discipline in his courtroom, insisted spectators wear pandemic-era masks for more than two years after other judges stopped the practice.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When viewers focus on one gear, the other, as seen through peripheral vision, appears to spin faster — though both are moving at the same speed.
    — Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • When von Rydingsvard began working with cedar in the mid-1970s, Minimalism was the dominant style in New York, and in order to gain attention, sculptors often welded steel and other metals into imposing, grand forms that loomed high above viewers.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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