onlookers

noun

plural of onlooker
as in spectators
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 onlookers But Dollywood still takes part in Smoky Mountain Winterfest, a festival of lights that runs through the holidays and draws onlookers during the coldest months, Marr said. — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 The dynamic duo giggled and hugged as curious onlookers took out their iPhones and started snapping away. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 The closely watched triple murder trial of Lindsay Clancy has become the latest tragic court case to grip the nation, but onlookers are sharply divided about who to blame in a case with unusually undisputed facts. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 NBCUniversal's Peacock, for example, agreed to embed its content into YouTube Premium in a deal that many onlookers say could set a new precedent. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Cohen’s brand of comedy revolves around him embodying outlandish characters and then provoking a reaction from onlookers. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Outside, the energy is high, and there is a lot of chatter from onlookers. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 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 During search operations, hundreds of onlookers and volunteers must be kept quiet enough in the middle of a bustling city to listen for the faintest sign of life. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlookers
  1. spectators
  2. observers
  3. viewers
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
  • That includes having security personal who can deal with problem spectators, as needed, until police arrive.
    — Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectators
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
  • But unofficial estimates by outside observers place the price tag of renovating the temple at more than $2 billion.
    — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of observers
Noun
  • The algorithm matches products to the viewers most likely to want them.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Goodell was as good as his word, and the practice of double-tapping viewers with post-TD marketing messages is now about as defunct as the barefooted placekicker of yore.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of viewers

Browse Nearby Words

onlooker
onlookers
only
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Cite this Entry

“Onlookers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlookers. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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