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.
When the boy and his grandmother got into difficulty in the water, his siblings, ages 4 and 6, yelled to attract the attention of bystanders. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 Saturday from a concerned bystander who reported a disturbance near Alumni Park. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The shadow fleet just showcased its capacity to inflict real and unmitigated consequences on a bystander nation. — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 During one of several scuffles, a 69-year-old bystander fell to the ground near a booth selling Republican merchandise, causing scrapes along her thigh, knee and forearm. — Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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