LOOKER-ON Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

looker-on

noun

Definition of looker-on

as in observer

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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 looker-on Shortly after the Paris Couture Week show, beauty fanatics and experts quickly began to dissect McGrath’s brilliant makeup artistry, earning high praise from notable lookers-on. — Claire Sullivan, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for looker-on

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

Such slogans hinted at extortion, and onlookers were unimpressed.

— Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
In the Tuscan port of Marina di Carrara, the six-deck, 465-foot superyacht Scheherazade is docked behind high walls to keep it both safe and hidden from curious onlookers.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of onlooker

Noun

In the video, bystanders can be heard telling agents to let the detainee go.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
The bystander video contradicted that claim, and the government refiled the misdemeanor assault charge she is now convicted of.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of bystander

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looker

looker-on

lookers

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“Looker-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looker-on. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of looker-on

noun

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