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 spectacle attracts 140,000 people – and about $10 million – to the city every year, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Nov. 2026 With the social aspect of All-Star Weekend often trumping what takes place on the court, Mitchell expects quite the spectacle. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026 Behind the spectacle is a demonstration of British arts and crafts, the retailer said. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026 For the Omaha Beach landing and the war that follows, Kaminski set out to make combat look like frontline footage rather than a Hollywood spectacle. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • Ericka, being lighter-skinned than Paulina, sparks a clash between the school's headmistress and the pageant director over beauty and who would have the best chance of winning the Miss Global Universe pageant.
    — Kristian Monroe, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026
  • JonBenét Ramsey was described by her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, as an outgoing child who performed in local beauty pageants.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to frosty glasses of Thai iced coffees and teas, there's tart housemade lemonade and delicately floral lychee lemonade.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Accumulation of glass pieces and liquid debris in the bottom of glassware cooler in bar area.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Almendariz and her daughter, Christina, are working to preserve both through traditional tule practices and an exhibit highlighting the relationship between Native communities and California's wetlands.
    — Conor McGill, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Among other efforts, the museum recently broke ground on Wonder Works, an auxiliary building where exhibits can be both created and repaired for the museum.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Sotheby’s in New York is getting a jump on the anniversary action by offering the revenge dress itself in a special auction in December, after an exhibition tour through London, Hong Kong, and Geneva.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Look, the statue was part of very high-profile exhibitions about the collector.
    — Kelley Engelbrecht, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Throughout the performance, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr made cameos before the two-song spectacular came to an end.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Investigators found in a closet dozens of Louis Vuitton handbags lining the top shelf, many pairs of Christian Louboutin boots and a display case full of handbags made of exotic furs.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Items including flan and cheese cake in front display case and guacamole, rice and cheese dip in walk-in cooler lacking date mark.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The annual extravaganza is back at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, and as impressive as ever.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The splashy full-cast song and dance numbers that open both acts of this comic extravaganza play delightfully with the concept of black-and-white things becoming vividly colorful.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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