bystander

noun

by·​stand·​er ˈbī-ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
Synonyms of bystander
: one who is present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator
innocent bystanders who were injured in the shooting

Synonyms of bystander

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Examples of bystander in a Sentence

Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting. bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
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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.
Michael Pretti, Alex's father, said this week that the family is still troubled by the bystander videos of the shooting. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Michael Pretti, Alex’s father, said this week that the family is still troubled by the bystander videos of the shooting. — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Video shot by bystanders that day showed Pretti only had a mobile phone in his hand. — Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 But the one piece Antevy’s team can’t always control is bystander response. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bystander was in 1584

Rhymes for bystander

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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bystander

noun
by·​stand·​er -ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening
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