looker-on

noun

Definition of looker-onnext
as in observer

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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
  • Under dark conditions, observers could see 80 to 100 meteors per hour, making this the finest meteor display of 2026.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In May, Beijing rolled out new rules specifically for new biomedical technologies, plugging what observers said was a gap in how the development of advanced therapies, including personalized treatments, are controlled.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of observer
Noun
  • The event draws thousands of spectators to cheer on colorful floats, community groups and local organizations.
    — Evan Moore August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • His primary focus, the Athens Twilight Criterium, was an annual spring event that often drew 40,000 screaming spectators to the one-kilometer circuit on downtown streets on a Saturday evening.
    — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectator
Noun
  • One onlooker in an unconfirmed report told The Star Preston had been pushed by a fan in the end zone by the KU bench.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • When discussing stories like Gilson’s online, Lee encourages onlookers to swap judgment for compassion.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of onlooker
Noun
  • Koehn believes the armed bystander kept the gunman from shooting at more people.
    — Dana Griffin, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
  • One leaves abruptly, her designer purse slamming against a bystander.
    — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of bystander

Browse Nearby Words

looker
looker-on
lookers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Looker-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looker-on. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of élan

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All