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 Filming the kiss scene in public with dozens of bystanders armed with cell phone watching proved a challenge but, luckily, no one ruined the surprise. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026 No bystanders were injured in the shooting, according to police. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Investigators believe the girl and two adults who were shot were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire after an argument escalated into gunfire, according to police. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 The bystander later gave an interview to Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who posted their conversation on social media. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander

Noun

These could include military-to-military engagement and security reassurances among the United States, South Korea, and North Korea, or greater transparency around military exercises—allowing observers on a reciprocal basis, for example.

— Stephen E. Biegun, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
In a nearby room, observers from both campaigns watched through plexiglass every movement of election staff, how each machine was counting and which ballots required additional attention.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

Elsewhere, the grandfather of all area light displays — the Plaza Lights, a 15-block spectacle dating to 1925 — will kick off the traditional holiday season with their usual Thanksgiving lighting ceremony that draws thousands of spectators.

— Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026
George, who lit up his former team with 36 points on 14-of-22 shooting in his return to Xfinity Mobile Arena, rolled the ball to a spectator sitting beneath the basket, then raised his middle finger.

— Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Let the Christmas movie bonanza begin, with Prime Video’s Clashing Through the Snow trailer now added to the pile of presents awaiting viewers in later November and the full month of December.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026
In addition, famed baker and author Amirah Kassem has come on board as a roaming sideline reporter, bringing viewers real-time reactions from the bakers, their families and the audience.

— Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of bystander

noun

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