Definition of onlookernext
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 Outside, the energy is high, and there is a lot of chatter from onlookers. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026 The clip then shows Bader walking down the sidewalk in the shoes as onlookers can’t help but notice the bizarre footwear. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 As the sun dips below the horizon, a fleet of onlookers on jet skis and boats idle on the water to catch a peek of the vivacious scene. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Oakland mayor Barbara Lee, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Warriors guard Gary Payton II were among the onlookers in attendance. Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker
Noun
  • Sullivan spoke with attorneys at sidebar about the request, but the discussion was inaudible to observers in the courtroom at Plymouth Superior Court.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • To the outside observer, the hearing for the soft-spoken man with the graying mustache may have seemed like any other, save for the FBI agents from the public corruption squad sitting in the back.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The case has become a national cultural fixation and a social media spectacle, gripping and dividing spectators well beyond the Massachusetts courtroom where the 36-year-old mother is charged with killing her three young children.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Plenitude Arena has a capacity of 40,000 spectators and was one of the venues used for the Paris Games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As Moreno digested how viewers had responded to Love Island, she was gobsmacked.
    Paula Mejía, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The expansion comes as pro-Trump media faces headwinds and the broader industry runs into changing viewer habits.
    Josh Feldman, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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