Thesaurus results for ONLOOKER

onlooker

noun

ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər

Definition of onlooker

as in observer

someone who sees or watches something several onlookers gave chase after the thief grabbed the woman's purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 onlooker At the Homo Faber craft festival in Venice this past September, one such work—its mouth opening up like a blooming flower—had onlookers resisting the urge to touch it. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026 The outdoor temperature might have registered as freezing, but the crowd of onlookers sizzled with excitement. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 His lack of experience in the realms of ballet, classical music, opera, and jazz, formerly the center’s mainstays, have concerned some onlookers. — News Desk, Artforum, 9 Oct. 2026 This phone’s standout feature is the adjustable privacy display, which can hide your entire screen, or just portions of it, from onlookers and strangers. — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker

Noun

This disturbing contradiction suggests that different physical laws apply to the observer and the observed.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
In a video of the incident posted to social media, a black SUV was seen driving down the residential street before appearing to strike an observer as other observers blew whistles in warning of approaching agents.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

The race would bring teams, corporate partners, international media and spectators to Rwanda, creating opportunities to promote tourism and attract business.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
In the Stands Jaden quickly became a tennis spectator, as he and Steffi were spotted in the stands during one of Andre’s matches during the 2002 US Open.

— Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

When viewers focus on one gear, the other, as seen through peripheral vision, appears to spin faster — though both are moving at the same speed.

— Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
When von Rydingsvard began working with cedar in the mid-1970s, Minimalism was the dominant style in New York, and in order to gain attention, sculptors often welded steel and other metals into imposing, grand forms that loomed high above viewers.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of viewer

Browse Nearby Words

on line

onlooker

onlookers

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“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of onlooker

noun

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