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

Through a meditative duet between the performer’s cognition and their autonomic nervous system, activities that were largely imperceptible to an outside observer became known to the performer.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Both developments create concerns among some observers that the companies are overseeing inflated volumes or, at worst, are experiencing wash trading, in which traders collude to buy and sell an asset to create a false sense of economic activity.

— Davis Giangiulio,Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

The rulebook also explicitly states that the first row of seats is considered the beginning of the spectator stands.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
The giant pumpkin competition will take place Saturday, with pumpkins weighing more than a ton weighed in front of spectators throughout the day, according to the release.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Many ticketholders and onlookers have been left wondering who, if anyone, will sign on to sing alongside Sheeran for the rest of his tour, concluding December 11 in Mexico City.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Thomas, 25, was chased down by horrified onlookers and arrested about a block from the station.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of onlooker

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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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of looker-on

noun

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