passerby

[pas-er-bahy, -bahy, pah-ser-] / ˈpæs ərˈbaɪ, -ˌbaɪ, ˈpɑ sər- /

NOUN

bystander

Synonyms

STRONGEST

eyewitness observer onlooker spectator

STRONG

kibitzer looker-on viewer watcher witness

WEAK

gaper

Antonyms

STRONGEST

participant

NOUN

pedestrian

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hiker stroller walker

STRONG

ambler jaywalker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Speaking to the Sun, a passerby saw the bag on the side of a road and alerted her partner after becoming suspicious.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Restaurant terraces sit deserted, while souvenir, watersports and perfume vendors watch for the rare passerby.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

The sight of the full battalion brings grins to every passerby.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

There was no expectation of notice, but a passerby took a photo and posted it online.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

I saw a passerby stare curiously at Maxim, and then nudge her companion’s arm.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier