bystander

noun

by·​stand·​er ˈbī-ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
Synonyms of bystander
: one who is present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator
innocent bystanders who were injured in the shooting

Synonyms of bystander

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Examples of bystander in a Sentence

Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting. bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
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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.
The incident came to light after a bystander posted a video of the confrontation to Instagram. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Local authorities said the 44-year-old woman suffered several broken bones in Monday morning's crash in Prospect Park but survived after roughly six bystanders joined officers to lift the vehicle and pull her to safety, FOX 29 reported. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 At one point during the fight, another Keystone Oaks coach, Joseph Kobiak, 35, and the Canton were seen throwing a punch at the other's head as bystanders looked on and called to watch the kids, according to the video and the criminal complaint. — Matt Foster, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 The bystander recalled everyone around her jumping into action. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bystander was in 1584

Rhymes for bystander

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by-stake
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Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bystander

noun
by·​stand·​er -ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening
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