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
Relevance
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
There were no elaborate theatrics, no attempt to overwhelm the space with spectacle.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2026
Here is a list of all the NFL draft events happening around Pittsburgh during the week of the NFL's spectacle.
—Patrick Damp, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
The actress' turn to OnlyFans recontextualizes Elizabeth's partially nude role in the 1999 raunchy teen comedy, as Nadia is recorded via webcam by hapless admirer Jim (Jason Biggs), without her knowledge, in an encounter that spirals into live spectacle.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
From there it was expelled into space, creating quite a spectacle.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2026
Here is a list of all the NFL draft events happening around Pittsburgh during the week of the NFL's spectacle.
—Patrick Damp, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
The actress' turn to OnlyFans recontextualizes Elizabeth's partially nude role in the 1999 raunchy teen comedy, as Nadia is recorded via webcam by hapless admirer Jim (Jason Biggs), without her knowledge, in an encounter that spirals into live spectacle.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
From there it was expelled into space, creating quite a spectacle.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
-
Born in Queens, New York in 1940 and raised in Connecticut, Harmon began as a beauty pageant contestant and model before getting her start in regional theater.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
-
More than 200 spectators cheered, whistled and shouted encouragement to their favorites during the pageant April 11 at Olive Peirce Middle School’s Performing Arts Center.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On her wish list this year, there are string lights for $20 and a glass birdbath for $35.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The plainclothes detectives, who were wearing NYPD vests, then dragged Brown on the floor, over shards of broken glass, to the front of the store, ordering him to stop resisting.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The exhibit has clearly become a draw for the zoo.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Some die-hard hometown Prince fans have been frustrated that more new exhibits and events don’t take place there beyond the annual Celebration around Prince’s June 7 birthday (coming up again June 3-7).—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As one of the world’s preeminent art museums, the Prado hosts rotating exhibitions that always draw acclaim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This exhibition is included with garden admission.—
Kristine Sorensen,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And 2026 is already off to a bright start, with a buzzy debut novel from Jennette McCurdy, plenty of celebrity memoirs and sci-fi spectaculars.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Nothing this spectacular happens by accident.—
Jordan Robinson,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Adding to his military exhibit, Crazy Horse display and gallery of unique oddities.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This was on full display in Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Dodgers when Alex Vesia struck out the side to pick up the save in the ninth, throwing only 10 pitches, with the Mets swinging at seven of them.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rooms at the Beverly Hills Hotel are all well-appointed, but the stars of the show are arguably the bungalows, which are all themed and named after celebrities, including the Frank Sinatra (think midcentury, Palm Springs-style decor) and the all-pink extravaganza Marilyn Monroe favored.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The festival’s cornerstone tasting extravaganza, The Main Event, is April 10.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
