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 Many onlookers came out to experience the strong ocean wind and rough seas in Marshfield. — Paul Burton, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 But the Torcal adds a whole lot of bling with an illuminated diamond-pattern grille that will polarize onlookers. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026 The fatal escalation over beach furniture left onlookers stunned. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Dion appeared to be surrounded by security, with onlookers close to her yet respectful of her space. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker
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
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
Noun
  • The reason for that is the unquenching market need for solid factual projects that can both be popular on linear channels and drive older viewers to streaming services.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Through it all, Pi-o and Jeong-yo’s intense, often tender relationship serves as a throughline, bringing many viewers to question if the Netflix series qualifies as a boys’ love (aka BL) drama.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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