Definition of bystandernext
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
  • Through a meditative duet between the performer’s cognition and their autonomic nervous system, activities that were largely imperceptible to an outside observer became known to the performer.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Both developments create concerns among some observers that the companies are overseeing inflated volumes or, at worst, are experiencing wash trading, in which traders collude to buy and sell an asset to create a false sense of economic activity.
    — Davis Giangiulio,Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The rulebook also explicitly states that the first row of seats is considered the beginning of the spectator stands.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The giant pumpkin competition will take place Saturday, with pumpkins weighing more than a ton weighed in front of spectators throughout the day, according to the release.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Julian Gascoigne, a senior specialist in British paintings at Sotheby ’s, said the work is notable for its exceptional state of preservation, allowing viewers to appreciate Turner’s technique in unusual detail.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Bayless also brings out a different side of Smith, one that is generally more appealing to viewers.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster