looker-on

noun

Definition of looker-onnext
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
  1. observer
  2. spectator
  3. onlooker
  4. bystander
Noun
  • But some investors and observers point to the product's internal leverage as a cause for concern and controversy.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of observer
Noun
  • That’s more than 100,000 spectators a day filling the stands.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That same year, a spectator was struck by a stray bullet during a night match, and Jimmy Connors lunged at a photographer after losing in the final.
    — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectator
Noun
  • Oakland mayor Barbara Lee, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Warriors guard Gary Payton II were among the onlookers in attendance.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • While the industry is no stranger to turmoil, the recently rapid pace of change is keeping media investors and onlookers on their toes.
    — Alex Sherman,Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of onlooker
Noun
  • Prosecutors said bystanders subdued Arredondo-Garcia until authorities arrived.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The beetles emerge in the summer to feed, mate and crash inadvertently into unsuspecting bystanders.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bystander

Browse Nearby Words

looker
looker-on
lookers
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Cite this Entry

“Looker-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looker-on. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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