LOOKER-ON Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

looker-on

noun

Definition of looker-on

as in observer

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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

This disturbing contradiction suggests that different physical laws apply to the observer and the observed.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
In a video of the incident posted to social media, a black SUV was seen driving down the residential street before appearing to strike an observer as other observers blew whistles in warning of approaching agents.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

The race would bring teams, corporate partners, international media and spectators to Rwanda, creating opportunities to promote tourism and attract business.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
In the Stands Jaden quickly became a tennis spectator, as he and Steffi were spotted in the stands during one of Andre’s matches during the 2002 US Open.

— Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Officers remained at the scene to de-escalate the situation and direct a crowd of onlookers away from the area, police said.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Crowds gave the couple balloons and flowers, Britain’s PA Media news agency reported, with Harry and Meghan stopping to greet onlookers and pose for selfies.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of onlooker

Noun

From 2001 to 2010, as Denmark introduced nationwide resuscitation initiatives including mandatory school CPR education, bystander CPR rates more than doubled, while 30-day survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest more than tripled.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Earlier this week, a bystander at a local bar noticed his Meta Glasses.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of looker-on

noun

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