onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
Synonyms of onlookernext
: one that looks on
especially : a passive spectator
onlooking
ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kiŋ How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
adjective

Synonyms of onlooker

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Examples of onlooker in a Sentence

Curious onlookers watched the ceremony. An onlooker noticed the disturbance. A crowd of onlookers gathered at the fire.
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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.
By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 Numerous onlookers have had enough, as Fox News Digital and other outlets have been reporting. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Mendoza finished the night 17-of-23 for 237 yards and dodged an injury scare that onlookers feared could affect his second half availability. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Many such onlookers have hoped that the trial verdict will supply such insights. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

Rhymes for onlooker

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Browse Nearby Words

on loan
onlooker
onlooking
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

onlooker

noun
on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
: spectator
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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