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 Not just someone who’s there, who’s a bystander, and who just watches things happen. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 Many police officers wear body cameras, and on the street there are often witnesses with cameras of their own, but once child-welfare investigators are inside a home, there are no bystanders watching. Larissa MacFarquhar, New Yorker, 28 May 2026 Three blocks away and three days earlier, a man opened fire at a White House security checkpoint, injuring a bystander before he was fatally shot by Secret Service officers. Ben Nuckols, Fortune, 27 May 2026 Menlo Park police said the bystander was not injured. Jose Fabian, CBS News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander
Noun
  • As these political divides deepen, observers doubt the election’s credibility.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • Though the party assembly process isn’t typically representative of the people voting in the full primary election — in which Democrats as well as unaffiliated voters can participate — the event raised eyebrows among political observers.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Its most recent 54th run was record-breaking, the biggest marathon in history, with 132 countries represented, 59,226 finishers and by far the highest number of spectators in every neighborhood who supported and cheered runners on a route that races through all five boroughs.
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The parade draws thousands of spectators who line the street along the route each year.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Millions of viewers from around the world watch the bears in real time on the zoo’s Panda Cam.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Amaya takes viewers on a journey through Los Angeles, meeting legendary players, passionate fans, community leaders, activists and entrepreneurs whose stories reveal fútbol as culture, family and belonging.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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