Thesaurus results for BYSTANDER

bystander

noun

ˈbī-ˌstan-dər

Definition of bystander

as in observer

someone who sees or watches something bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging

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 bystander The Kia caught fire after the collision, though bystanders were able to extinguish it. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Aug. 2026 Dos Santos was able to push that girl toward the shore, and bystanders pulled her out, officials said. — Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Because bystanders have no financial stake in the outcome, their read on signal colors, vehicle speeds, and lane use can be especially useful. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Medics and crews with the New Haven Fire Department were assisted by bystanders in pulling the man from the water, according to Bruckhart. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystander

Noun

Sullivan spoke with attorneys at sidebar about the request, but the discussion was inaudible to observers in the courtroom at Plymouth Superior Court.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
To the outside observer, the hearing for the soft-spoken man with the graying mustache may have seemed like any other, save for the FBI agents from the public corruption squad sitting in the back.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of observer

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

Definition of spectator

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byroads

bystander

bystanders

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“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystander. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bystander

noun

Example Sentences

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