bystanders

noun

plural of bystander
as in spectators
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 bystanders Tony says no bystanders were hurt and his deputies have only minor cuts and scrapes. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Some riders gallivant and whoosh past bystanders, weaving in and out and putting surrounding passersby on edge. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 While the risk is higher for individuals who directly light fireworks, bystanders can get hurt as well. — Parents, 2 July 2026 Among the shootings was an incident in September in which two innocent bystanders were struck outside their home. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026 Other bystanders managed to flip the boat back over, and the boy rose to the surface, WFAA reported. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026 Moments later, multiple $100 bills appear to fall from the bag as bystanders shout that the money was not evidence and did not belong to the officers. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 When first responders arrived, bystanders were already performing CPR. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Last month, the ACLU filed a lawsuit seeking to block Tennessee's HALO law, which restricts how close bystanders can get to law enforcement activities. — Elise Spenner, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bystanders
  1. spectators
  2. observers
  3. viewers
Noun
  • Whenever someone reaches the top of the 25-meter (82-feet) cliff — often for the first time — spectators, instructors and climbers break into applause.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of spectators
Noun
  • Sky observers say the Fourth of July is when the shortening of days becomes noticeably more rapid.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • Diarists and observers, including hymn writer John Newton and militia officers, often treated the event as an omen reflecting the gravity of the Revolution.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of observers
Noun
  • Along with performances from artists spanning country, pop and R&B, viewers can experience a massive fireworks and drone show choreographed to a live score by the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Now, viewers will get a glimpse at just what today’s computers can see.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of viewers

Browse Nearby Words

bystander
bystanders
bystreet
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Cite this Entry

“Bystanders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bystanders. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bystanders

Nglish: Translation of bystanders for Spanish Speakers

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