onlookers

noun

plural of onlooker
as in spectators
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 onlookers The woman got up on their table and gleefully pretended to tap dance, drawing an amused crowd of onlookers. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The elephants will be under 24/7 security and were already attracting thousands of onlookers before the exhibition officially opened. — Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Bystanders held up blankets to shield his body from onlookers. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 On social media, onlookers have speculated about her health and weight. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Political onlookers say Nixon’s performance could mean that progressive nominees actually fare better against Republicans than more centrist Democrats. — Shauna Muckle, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 Both rallies only attracted about two dozen participants and a bevy of onlookers. — Anne M. Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Grande wowed onlookers at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards wearing a white column Atelier Versace gown. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026 But no onlookers have been able to see the restoration of the Kennedy Center’s original name for themselves, which has frustrated some visitors as well as members of Congress. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlookers
  1. spectators
  2. observers
  3. viewers
Noun
  • An experiment with artificial intelligence at the annual Richard Wagner festival in the southeastern German town of Bayreuth drew boos from the audience after producing a staging that appeared to leave some spectators confused.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The experimental projections, generated from archival Wagner imagery and historical scenes including late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the 9/11 attacks, formed a swirling collage that left many spectators puzzled and restless.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectators
Noun
  • With no bright moon competing against faint meteors, observers under rural skies could see 60 to 100 meteors per hour, while even suburban observers should enjoy a steady stream of shooting stars.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Her decision to campaign publicly for Chan surprised some observers, given Wiener’s years of legislative experience and prominence in California Democratic politics.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of observers
Noun
  • As a result, even though the show leans into the gimmicky aspects of the crime genre, stunning reveals and cliffhangers keep viewers drawn in across the episodes.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Every year, more viewers shift their attention to streaming environments, and every year advertisers must adapt to maintain reach and relevance.
    — Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of viewers

Browse Nearby Words

onlooker
onlookers
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Cite this Entry

“Onlookers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlookers. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on onlookers

Nglish: Translation of onlookers for Spanish Speakers

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