as in observers
someone who sees or watches something
a building demolition that drew a crowd of spectators even at 3:00 a.m.
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 spectators
But unfortunately for the paying customers who watched at Target Center, those big names were also spectators watching in street clothes.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
As spectators, we are cursed to be onlookers — powerless to help, despite our desire to.
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
Kendra McConnell, the National Western’s director of show horse operations, said the draft horses are popular with both spectators and exhibitors.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
Up to 3,000 spectators gathered on Sundays to watch aquatic shows, synchronized swimmers, and fashion shows that defined an era.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
That's bad news for spectators hoping to catch a sight of the rocket.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
As marathoners zip by, spectators are invited to cheer, snap images for Instagrams and TikToks, and hang out with free coffee, water and croissants.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
After a moment of silence, some spectators shouted out, condemning ICE’s presence in Minneapolis.
—Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
The safety and security of athletes and spectators remains the top priority of LA28 organizers, a spokesperson for the upcoming games said in an email.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
As spectators, we are cursed to be onlookers — powerless to help, despite our desire to.
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
Kendra McConnell, the National Western’s director of show horse operations, said the draft horses are popular with both spectators and exhibitors.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
Up to 3,000 spectators gathered on Sundays to watch aquatic shows, synchronized swimmers, and fashion shows that defined an era.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
That's bad news for spectators hoping to catch a sight of the rocket.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
As marathoners zip by, spectators are invited to cheer, snap images for Instagrams and TikToks, and hang out with free coffee, water and croissants.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
After a moment of silence, some spectators shouted out, condemning ICE’s presence in Minneapolis.
—Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
The safety and security of athletes and spectators remains the top priority of LA28 organizers, a spokesperson for the upcoming games said in an email.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectators
Noun
-
Industry observers expect contract discussions to resurface in 2026, potentially as early as the second half of the year, according to The Korea Herald.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In response, the Iranian authorities launched a brutal crackdown on protests, according to observers.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The video quickly went viral, reaching over 2 million views with many viewers assuming the image was authentic.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Footage of the shooting has divided viewers, with finger-pointing over who was the aggressor and who was the victim.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectators. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
