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 There are still many more such reports from activists, protesters and bystanders in our story about the LAPD response. Karim Doumar, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 Other bystanders have harsher words for the agents. Emily Witt, New Yorker, 22 June 2025 Mohammed’s view Gulf countries are bystanders, urging de-escalation because the potential expansion of the conflict could include Iranian retaliation against US bases spread across their territories. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 June 2025 Two roads in Cape Girardeau buckled as Missouri experienced extreme heat over the weekend and a bystander happened to capture the scary moment on video. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bystander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander
Noun
  • What’s the background for the Hall of Fame? In 2002, a group of local journalists and longtime observers of the cultural scene inducted a dozen worthy individuals into the first class of the Austin Arts Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Cap City Comedy Club.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 13 July 2025
  • There has been longstanding tension within the Republican ranks between the MAGA movement and more traditional conservatives, but observers say Trump's recent actions, such as supporting Ukraine, are crucial for his political future and the GOP's prospects in the 2026 midterms.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Thousands of spectators gathered in downtown Danville to celebrate 249 years of freedom during the annual Fourth of July parade along San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Hartz Avenue on Friday morning.
    Ray Chavez, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
  • Frogs croaked from nearby waterholes, joining the chorus of spectators who hollered as the announcer introduced their favorite racers — along with their laundry lists of sponsors.
    William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The sweet moment quickly resonated with viewers, garnering over 50,000 likes and almost 400,000 views.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Games that start during this period are considered primetime because most viewers are home and available to watch live.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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