spectator

noun

ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
Definition of spectatornext
as in observer
someone who sees or watches something a building demolition that drew a crowd of spectators even at 3:00 a.m.

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 spectator At first, the scuffle only involved the original two women, but quickly chaos broke out as smaller fights broke out all over from around a dozen friends or spectators, the report read. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026 More than 30,000 spectators were expected daily during Presidents Cup tournament play Thursday through Sunday, the Daily Herald previously reported. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 27 Sep. 2026 The new league hopes to attract more spectators to amputee soccer and gives teams opportunities to build international relationships. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 The committee moved the paddock closer to spectators and added a vendor village, children’s zone, pony rides and petting zoo. — Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectator
  1. observer
  2. viewer
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
  • 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
Definition of viewer

Browse Nearby Words

spectaculars
spectator
spectators
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectator. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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