Thesaurus results for ONLOOKER

onlooker

noun

ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər

Definition of onlooker

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 The fact that Simmons and O’Hare frequently butt heads publicly makes the race even more compelling to onlookers, Rottinghaus said. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 McCary and other onlookers watched as Dallas police officers arrived on the scene. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker

Noun

Coleman found instructive a 1938 ruling in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who challenged a radio station that placed observers on a rooftop next to Forbes Field and paid them to provide play-by-play for an unauthorized radio broadcast.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
While international observers initially blamed Moscow for the blasts, investigators later found suggestions that Ukrainian state security agencies may have been involved — even though Ukraine counts Germany as one of its closest allies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

Still, her willingness to enjoy a hostile road crowd offers a useful perspective in a league where interactions with spectators have become such a consuming subject.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Rodriguez, who attends some re-sees as a spectator and others as a buyer, hopes that more brands will start to separate time slots, so that buyers and editors can better do their jobs, as creators capture their content.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Inspired by Ektachrome, a color-reversal film stock widely used during the 1970s, this presentation allows viewers to immerse themselves into the vivid colors and style of the 1973 Easter Island landscape.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Many viewers have told us, ‘Thank you for trusting us to read between the lines and for not hammering everything over our heads.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of viewer

Browse Nearby Words

on line

onlooker

onlookers

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Style

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of onlooker

noun

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