spectators
Those observing events
Spectators are people who watch an event, especially a sporting competition or public performance.
Unlike participants, spectators observe without taking part: Spectators lined the route of the marathon.
The word implies physical presence—those watching on television are typically called viewers instead.
People observing an event
- bystandersPeople present but uninvolved
- observersThose who watch events
- watchersThose who look on
- gawkersPeople who stare intrusively
rubberneckers · lookers-on · passersby · witnesses · curious · idle · uninvolved · sidelines
Large venue for spectators
- arenaVenue for contests
- standsRemains upright; tolerates
- bleachersOpen-air spectator benches
- grandstandTiered spectator seating structure
fans · cheering · supporters · crowd · terrace · sidelines · tailgating · wave
Venue for live drama
- concertLive musical performance
- operaTheatrical art combining song
- balletClassical dance on pointe
- cinemaMotion picture theater
performance · auditorium · applause · encore · intermission · curtain · standing ovation · box seats
onlookers
People observing an event
- bystandersPeople present but uninvolved
- observersThose who watch events
- watchersThose who look on
gawkers · rubberneckers · lookers-on · passersby · witnesses · curious · idle · uninvolved · sidelines · detached
stadium
Large venue for spectators
grandstand · fans · cheering · supporters · crowd · terrace · sidelines · tailgating · wave · chants
theater
Venue for live drama
cinema · performance · auditorium · applause · encore · intermission · curtain · standing ovation · box seats · balcony
eyewitness
One who saw events
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- courtroomJudicial proceedings chamber
- swornBound by formal promise
corroborate · testify · account · deposition · beholder · firsthand · scene · incident · accident · crime
parade
Ceremonial public procession
- festivalOrganized public celebration
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- processionFormal moving line
fireworks · ceremony · rally · demonstration · marathon · race · airshow · rodeo · regatta · pageant
- concert-goersfans, audience, crowd, listeners, superfans
- track meetstrack meets, track events, field events, hurdles, relays
- eventgoerspatrons, visitors, crowds, regulars, attendees
- crowd scenescrowd shots, mob scenes, throngs, multitudes, mass gatherings
- Elizabethan theaterBlackfriars, Globe Theatre, groundlings, heavens, trap door
- Rio Carnivalsamba, samba school, samba schools, Rio Carnival, samba parade
spectatorsparticipants
Those actively involved
players · performers · competitors · contestants · athletes
spectatorsperformers
Those who entertain audiences
actors · entertainers · players · artists · musicians
- spectator sportsGames watched, not played
- spectator modeWatch-only game setting
- spectator standsTiered seating for audiences
- spectator seatingArranged viewing spots
- spectator eventActivity staged for viewers
- spectator areaSeating for onlookers