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 The order pauses what threatened to be a damaging political spectacle over the theft of $580,000 in cash from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala private game farm. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 July 2026 For the Gulf War veteran from rural North Carolina, Burning Man wasn't just about spectacle. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 July 2026 The film is made to be a special effects explosion of color and otherworldly spectacle all presented on a massive scale. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 In a statement, Alegre gave credit to the power of the soccer spectacle. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 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
  • There isn’t always a Jerry Dipoto to out-wacky your front office in a wacky pageant, but sometimes there is.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The trio, each of whom has completely opposing personas, of course, set out on a road trip from New York City to Los Angeles in a vintage Cadillac to attend the Drag Queen of America pageant.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Moreover, with new and different form factors emerging, consumers have even more choices, ranging from rings and bracelets to glasses and watches.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Set the Scene The eight-story building is stylish, with a red brick facade encased in glass and steel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The house, now a visitor’s center with exhibits and a souvenir shop, is free to access, but guided tours of the house and battlefields are available for purchase.
    — Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • The ticket includes, among other things, access to exhibits, nature paths and a train ride.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The other highlight was an immersive fashion exhibition spread over two floors.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Current Levine Museum programs The museum plans to open a temporary exhibition that will be announced in the fall, Cooper said.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Viewing instructions for Epic Universe theme park’s new nighttime spectacular could well be to look up, down and all around.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • The Vienna’s display is also more comprehensive, with a power output graph, a trip meter, and a ride timer.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The cafeteria-style trays and displays here are loaded with red-bean buns, bacon epi breads and other sweet and savory handheld snacks that’d fit right in at a park function.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 July 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • No Way Home, the Marvel superhero extravaganza which, of course, brings Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s multiversal versions of Peter Parker/Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Ruaridh Aldington is joining Season 2 as a series regular, his new co-star Karim Diané revealed during the Star Trek extravaganza at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 July 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

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