spectacle

noun

ˈspek-ti-kəl How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
Definition of spectaclenext
1
as in pageant
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in glass
spectacles plural a pair of lenses set in a frame that is held in place with ear supports and which are usually worn to correct vision bought a pair of spectacles with nonprescription lenses simply to look more intelligent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spectacle Unfortunately for observers in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and many other locations, much of the spectacle unfolded before moonrise. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026 But there have been plenty of other small nations either providing shocks or bringing joy to the masses that make the World Cup the greatest spectacle in sports. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Celebrity weddings are often grand spectacles, and Swift is a billionaire. — Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 Black bags of fireworks lined its perimeter, stationed for the spectacle to come. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
  1. pageant
  2. glass
  3. exhibit
  4. exhibition
  5. spectacular
  6. display
  7. extravaganza
Noun
  • The World Cup doubles as a beauty pageant for each country’s fans, who strut around, sing their anthems, and try their best to look hot, happy, and, above all, passionate.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
  • Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Denise Richards, Allison Janney, Amy Adams, and a small-town beauty pageant for the crowning title of Dairy Queen—what more is there to say?
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 4 July 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Like its existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley smart glasses lines, the new designs are developed with EssilorLuxxottica — the group that also owns Prada eyewear, rumored to be Meta’s next collaborator.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 7 July 2026
  • Those included a charmingly cluttered Bucket family home, a lush candyland with the smell of chocolate piped through the Royal Theater to complement the full-size mock chocolate river, and a glass elevator that flew above the audience.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Nineteen cannons discovered at the bottom of the Savannah River were unveiled Thursday as a part of a new exhibit at the Savannah History Museum.
    — Amy Galo, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Public spaces present exhibits that immerse you in the nostalgia of the Golden Age of air travel.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The exhibition coincides with Oyer’s fifth portrait book release, which features selections from his extensive archive.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The exhibition comes about two years after Brown began fully embracing her identity as a trans woman.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • The patriotic spectaculars are part of the team’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • In what is being compared to a Super Bowl spectacular, the performances are set to be broadcast live to millions of soccer fans.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 June 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • Rix corroborated the spy shots of its luxurious interiors with a sweeping central infotainment display.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Founded in 2023, the company launched the Even G2 smart glasses late last year alongside the Even R1, a ring that controls the display.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • See why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married in a Fourth of July weekend extravaganza at Madison Square Garden.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • As details about the multi-day extravaganza continue to emerge online, the conversation shows no signs of slowing down.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 July 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

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