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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Tony says no bystanders were hurt and his deputies have only minor cuts and scrapes. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Some bystanders are later seen tearing bills in half amid the confrontation. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Some riders gallivant and whoosh past bystanders, weaving in and out and putting surrounding passersby on edge. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 Among the shootings was an incident in September in which two innocent bystanders were struck outside their home. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 30 June 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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Browse Nearby Words

by-stake
bystander
by step
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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bystander

Nglish: Translation of bystander for Spanish Speakers

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