LOOKER-ON Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

looker-on

noun

Definition of looker-on

as in observer

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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 looker-on Shortly after the Paris Couture Week show, beauty fanatics and experts quickly began to dissect McGrath’s brilliant makeup artistry, earning high praise from notable lookers-on. — Claire Sullivan, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for looker-on

Noun

Netanyahu and his party, Likud, are not ahead in most mainstream polls, and yet most observers of any credibility agree that damn near anything could happen, especially given Israel’s complicated parliamentary arrangements and wild array of parties.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
The full occultation was visible across a swath of North America, Western Africa and the Atlantic Ocean, where the moon passed directly between Jupiter and the observer.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of observer

Noun

Still, her willingness to enjoy a hostile road crowd offers a useful perspective in a league where interactions with spectators have become such a consuming subject.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Rodriguez, who attends some re-sees as a spectator and others as a buyer, hopes that more brands will start to separate time slots, so that buyers and editors can better do their jobs, as creators capture their content.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectator

Noun

Many ticketholders and onlookers have been left wondering who, if anyone, will sign on to sing alongside Sheeran for the rest of his tour, concluding December 11 in Mexico City.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Thomas, 25, was chased down by horrified onlookers and arrested about a block from the station.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of onlooker

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looker

looker-on

lookers

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Style

“Looker-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looker-on. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of looker-on

noun

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