as in spectators
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 onlookers
The toys clanked, the players held their breath and onlookers whispered strategies on the sidelines – until a winner was crowned.
—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Unlike some other luggage tags, this option only displays your name, keeping the rest of your information shielded from curious onlookers and potential thieves.
—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
The unexpected display drew onlookers but also shut down traffic as emergency crews scrambled to secure the area.
—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
But since the name was removed, no onlookers have been able to see the proof for themselves as the center erected a large tarp that obscures nearly the entire sign.
—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
During the final lap, one hostess appeared to trip and spill them across the floor in a choreographed theatrical fall, abruptly stopping the celebration and startling onlookers.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Its carcass washed up not far from a coastal trail, drawing onlookers.
—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Behind them, a small crowd waved Jordanian flags and clapped their hands to the beat in an informal procession where onlookers cheered and filmed on their cellphones.
—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
The siblings put on a united front—and gave onlookers a glimpse at the royal family's bright future—amid anti-monarchy protests.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 June 2026
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Unlike some other luggage tags, this option only displays your name, keeping the rest of your information shielded from curious onlookers and potential thieves.
—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
The unexpected display drew onlookers but also shut down traffic as emergency crews scrambled to secure the area.
—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
But since the name was removed, no onlookers have been able to see the proof for themselves as the center erected a large tarp that obscures nearly the entire sign.
—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
During the final lap, one hostess appeared to trip and spill them across the floor in a choreographed theatrical fall, abruptly stopping the celebration and startling onlookers.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Its carcass washed up not far from a coastal trail, drawing onlookers.
—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Behind them, a small crowd waved Jordanian flags and clapped their hands to the beat in an informal procession where onlookers cheered and filmed on their cellphones.
—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
The siblings put on a united front—and gave onlookers a glimpse at the royal family's bright future—amid anti-monarchy protests.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlookers
Noun
-
The trio in tiaras rode in the parade in an open convertible, waving to spectators.
-
The spectators, meanwhile, were a perfect mix of first-timers and lifers, with both groups taking their dedication to the theme very, very seriously.
Noun
-
The presence of observers from regional organizations such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, who were confined mostly to Addis Ababa, helped provide the election with international legitimacy.
-
Electoral authorities and international observers have repeatedly defended the integrity of the process.
Noun
-
Television executives say those viewers have always been watching at bars, restaurants and other locations, so now the ratings are a more accurate reflection of the real audience size.
-
By September 1995, PBS said the show was averaging five million viewers, the New York Times reported.
Cite this Entry
“Onlookers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlookers. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
