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

Relevance

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 Despite the traffic delays, residents said the response from bystanders and emergency personnel reflected the city's willingness to help when needed. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 The verbal altercation turned physical when the 82-year-old allegedly struck the young woman in the face, prompting the younger man and other bystanders to retaliate, witnesses told the BBC. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 One bystander in the background of the video is heard saying the ICE officers used force against the man. — Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2026 Taking out anger and frustration on an innocent bystander is a surefire way to annoy those around you. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander

Noun

Still, some observers argue that holding Saturday’s Mass at Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Élysées, near the National Assembly and the presidential palace, could be seen as a continuation of Catholicism’s privileged cultural position.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Storing explosive ammunition and stationing snipers in the middle of a busy traffic circle close to other, more secure military locations, including the Pentagon, strikes many observers as simultaneously dangerous and ridiculous.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

The committee moved the paddock closer to spectators and added a vendor village, children’s zone, pony rides and petting zoo.

— Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026
More than 30,000 spectators are expected daily during tournament play Thursday through Sunday.

— Eric Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Live streamers adjust their performance and content in real time based on their perception of the mood in the live chat from their viewers.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Instead, the episode viewers should watch has become one of the most notable episodes due to the characters featured.

— Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of viewer

Browse Nearby Words

byroads

bystander

bystanders

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bystander

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

argot

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes