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 NBCUniversal's Peacock, for example, agreed to embed its content into YouTube Premium in a deal that many onlookers say could set a new precedent. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 To a neutral onlooker, Savio’s fee, when weighed against his limited impact in the Premier League, is among the more puzzling in recent memory. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Cohen’s brand of comedy revolves around him embodying outlandish characters and then provoking a reaction from onlookers. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Outside, the energy is high, and there is a lot of chatter from onlookers. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onlooker
Noun
  • Mundubile has alleged irregularities and election observers have also reported inflated vote tallies and improper administration.
    Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Einstein’s special theory of relativity shows that, compared with a stationary observer, time flows more slowly for moving objects.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The case has become a national cultural fixation and a social media spectacle, gripping and dividing spectators well beyond the Massachusetts courtroom where the 36-year-old mother is charged with killing her three young children.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Plenitude Arena has a capacity of 40,000 spectators and was one of the venues used for the Paris Games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the film’s chaos is by design to clue viewers into the demands and desires of Ryan’s life as his obligations pull him in countless competing directions.
    Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tubi says one in six Tubi UK viewers watched creator content in July, accounting for more than 10% of total watch time in the country.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onlooker. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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