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 Arisco clearly enjoys productions that rely on sharp dialogue and strong storytelling rather than spectacle. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 The same festival of mass man-murder could surely be mounted elsewhere but not with the same spectacle-to-intimacy ratio. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The unfolding of a widespread progressivism in the Church was succeeded by the spectacle of Paul’s domination of progressivism and by the reassertion of conservativism. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 When Dury entered the airport, she was immediately struck by how completely it had been transformed into a Christmas spectacle. — Sacbee.com, 27 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
  • Then, there’s Miss Israel 2026 Danielle Yablonka, a Miami native who has moved to Israel, according to the pageant’s website.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Miss American Fork organization put out a statement on its Instagram, remembering the young pageant queen.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Although there was no place to safely stop immediately after the incident, Siddiqui checked to see that Aisha wasn’t bleeding, but noticed there was glass on her and in her shoes.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a casual lounge filled with soft gray couches, perfect for an afternoon glass of wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The exhibit's visitors can get a chilling feel for the time, with full scale recreations of the annex rooms where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.
    — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors will move through cave-like interiors centered on an interactive exhibit named Elysium.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The exhibition will include paintings, metalwork, jade, ceramics, glass, and architectural elements, some of which connect directly to a decades-long connection between the Louvre and the NMAA.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The altarpiece’s restoration was completed in time for a major Fra Angelico exhibition at the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and the Museo di San Marco in Florence last fall.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Aug. 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
  • His monstrous power should be on full display this afternoon and result in a home run.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While four of the zoo’s lions are in the process of recovery, three others remain sick, according to officials, who said that the animals’ health was their first priority and that they had been suspended from public display.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Presented by Artforum, ARTnews, and Art in America, the first-of-its-kind extravaganza is taking place from November 11 to 14.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Kate Middleton, 44, typically keeps a low profile over the summer months but made an exception to take in the action at the 11-day sporting extravaganza alongside Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

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