What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onlooker
Example
The onlookers watched in awe as the fireworks lit up the sky. [onlookers: noun]
Example
As an onlooker, I could see the chaos unfolding from a distance. [onlooker: noun]
spectator
Example
The spectators cheered as the team scored a goal. [spectators: noun]
Example
As a spectator, I was impressed by the acrobatics of the performers. [spectator: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spectator is more commonly used than onlooker in everyday language. Spectator is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while onlooker is less common and typically used in more informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onlooker and spectator?
Spectator is more formal than onlooker and is appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, while onlooker is typically associated with a more casual tone and is best used in informal situations.
