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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 For hours, officials, journalists and onlookers stood outside as the culmination of a yearslong campaign to prove wrongdoing in Fulton’s 2020 election reached a new crescendo. Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 8 Sep. 2026 By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 Numerous onlookers have had enough, as Fox News Digital and other outlets have been reporting. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Mendoza finished the night 17-of-23 for 237 yards and dodged an injury scare that onlookers feared could affect his second half availability. ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker
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
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
Noun
  • Fans want to go inside, so just telling viewers the terms along with a one-line explanation goes a long way.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, her employer, Sky News, has some new ideas about how to reach viewers that could put Haynes in contact with viewers similar to the ones that enjoy those up-and-coming creator ventures.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster