onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
Synonyms of onlookernext
: one that looks on
especially : a passive spectator
onlooking
ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kiŋ How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
adjective

Synonyms of onlooker

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Examples of onlooker in a Sentence

Curious onlookers watched the ceremony. An onlooker noticed the disturbance. A crowd of onlookers gathered at the fire.
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One crew member is then seen pulling Giselle from the rubble to cheers from onlookers. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Collins is now onw of the onlookers, hoping the fire doesn't keep advancing towards more residences. — Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Cellphone videos recorded by onlookers captured the confusion at the scene as the pair stood near the building’s needle. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 1 July 2026 The Raiders made sweeping changes across their roster this offseason, and the overhaul received praise from onlookers. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

Rhymes for onlooker

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Browse Nearby Words

on loan
onlooker
onlooking
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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onlooker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

onlooker

noun
on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
: spectator

More from Merriam-Webster on onlooker

Nglish: Translation of onlooker for Spanish Speakers

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