Synonyms for

Spectators

Verb / ˈspekteɪtɜ:z / Another word for spectators — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

People who watch and observe an event or performance.

Synonyms & similar words

witness spectator spectatorpump viewer watcher looker audience onlookers observers watchers viewers witnesses crowd fans patrons attendees bystanders gawkers rubberneckers sightseers lookers-on passersby pedestrians traffic

Synonyms by register

Formal

onlookers observers witnesses

Informal

crowd audience fans watchers

Literary

beholders gazers

Antonyms

participants competitors performers actors players athletes

Common collocations

  • attentive spectators
  • disappointed spectators
  • excited spectators
  • large spectators
  • numerous spectators
  • passionate spectators
  • silent spectators
  • viewing spectators

Word family

noun spectator
verb spectate
adjective spectatorial

Usage note

Spectators are people who watch an event, especially a public one like a sports match or performance. It is generally a neutral term, but can sometimes imply a passive role in contrast to active participants.

Example sentences

  1. The spectators at the circus were amazed by the acrobats.
  2. The spectators at the football game cheered loudly for their team.
  3. The spectators at the concert sang along to the popular songs.
  4. The spectators at the play were impressed by the actors' performances.
  5. The spectators at the parade waved to the floats and bands.

Quotes

  • “A good writer is a good spectator.” - Federico Fellini
  • “I am a spectator who came to watch the world.” - Paul Cezanne
  • “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” - Michel de Montaigne (as quoted in 'The Spectator')

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words