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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 one-off doc uses AI to tell the story of how Rome hosted wild spectacles for its citizens, featuring a range of exotic and dangerous wild animals. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 The incident occurred days before Google announced its multi-year partnership with Beast Industries, a company founded by YouTube influencer Jimmy Donaldson, also known as his media personality MrBeast, who produces viral spectacles online. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The precise spectacle changes daily because balloons travel with the wind rather than following a fixed route. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it? — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 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
  • Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024, and continued to hold the title as there were no further pageants after that, the outlets reported.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026
  • When the pageant recruiter comes to school, Paulina and her crew pull out all the stops.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Grab some marcona almonds, sardine skewers, and paquitos de jamon with a glass of wine or cava for happy hour.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There’s a liminal place between the outside of the glass and the reflecting material.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The open-plan, curvilinear design means the galleries are not fully divided, reinforcing the all-encompassing nature of the collection, though altogether the vast array of exhibits sometimes struggle for cohesiveness.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The explosion occurred while the Washoe was racing another steamboat, the Sacramento History Museum, which has an exhibit of remnants of the steamboat, said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • Yet Texhibition Istanbul itself has been holding steady, taking up five halls while other exhibitions around the world were shrinking.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Started in 2019, FuelFest is a traveling exhibition that’s proving as endearing and enduring as its cinematic inspiration.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sure, the city has fantastic architecture, world-class restaurants, Broadway spectaculars, and those oh-so-gorgeous hotels.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • With more of us clocking double-digit hours of daily screen time, the appeal of a low-strain, blue-light-free display has grown well beyond the reading crowd.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Top it off with one of Róhe’s signatures—a drapey satin top—and a pendant necklace from their display case of treasures, featuring vintage silver jewelry alongside the house’s contemporary styles.
    — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Los Angeles city officials and some community and union activists have expressed concern about whether the sports extravaganza will help working-class people and small businesses.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • After seeing Gaynor’s Vegas extravaganza, Burnett recruited Mackie to design the costumes for The Carol Burnett Show.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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