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

To the surprise of some observers, including your humble correspondent, Arianespace has proven to be a more reliable launch partner to Amazon than the other two providers who inked deals with Amazon in 2022, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Economists and other political observers are voicing concerns about the potential effects on inflation and the national balance sheet.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

Transit agencies are bracing for 10 million to 15 million spectators and a million extra Metro transit trips.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Hall County has a schedule that includes more than 15 spectator events, with Petit Le Mans its largest.

— Chris Teague, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

As a young and impressionable onlooker, Dzeko looked huge (at 6ft 4in/193cm) yet so graceful on the ball.

— Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The play also draws inspiration from the photograph of Rusnak’s lynching which includes onlookers, including a young white girl, as his body hangs from a tree.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of onlooker

Noun

The incident came to light after a bystander posted a video of the confrontation to Instagram.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Local authorities said the 44-year-old woman suffered several broken bones in Monday morning's crash in Prospect Park but survived after roughly six bystanders joined officers to lift the vehicle and pull her to safety, FOX 29 reported.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of looker-on

noun

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