as in observer
someone who sees or watches something several onlookers gave chase after the thief grabbed the woman's purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 onlooker A number of onlookers can be seen recording the scene on their phones. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 14 May 2025 Thousands of onlookers cheered wildly as daredevil pilot Bessie Coleman arced her Curtiss Jenny biplane into a spiral above a Houston field. Victor Luckerson, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025 Video showing the ship's masts collapsing during crash was taken by onlookers in New York's Dumbo neighborhood, and quickly spread on social media. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 The effect of a chunky gold costume jewelry necklace or a Victorian cocktail ring is transformative—drawing the eye of curious magpies and average onlookers to tell a story as unique as a gemstone or antique setting itself. Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for onlooker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker
Noun
  • But the programs have struggled to get enough qualified participants, observers say, and have tended to focus their efforts on Riyadh rather than across the country.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • But observers believe there is an external, international reason.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and IndyCar Series President Doug Boles announced the attendance at 350,000 spectators during Monday night’s Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The Cité du Court looks set to further this perception in a younger spectators.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • During the 2024 regular season, league-wide attendance reached 2.4 million—up 48% year-over-year—and more than 54 million unique viewers tuned in to national telecasts.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Similar to the scene with Sheryl, Elsbeth gets angry when the corrupt educational consultant criticizes her son’s professional choices, showing viewers a different side to the character.
    Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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