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 tour gives our professional dancers an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary talent while bringing the energy and spectacle of the ballroom directly to audiences across the country. — Cbs Baltimore, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The performance captures Björk reimagining her catalog through orchestration rather than spectacle, putting her voice, electronics and the contributions of Iceland’s Hamrahlíð Choir at the center. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026 Record rainfall turns into a visual spectacle Between July and August, Chile recorded record rainfall in several regions, with some levels never seen since measurements began in the 1950s. — Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 The 1989 Charlotte federal trial was pure spectacle Two years after resigning, Bakker was convicted in Charlotte on 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 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
  • They’re then forced to compete in a beauty pageant, wearing lingerie and swimsuits, which Galán considers to be the ultimate motivator.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Desperate to regain her dominance while dazzling pageant recruiter Eloise Amponsah (Tony Award winner Patina Miller), who was Miss Ghana 1966, Paulina launches a campaign to crush Ericka’s spirit and dash her chances in the spotlight.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Blair attributed the incident to drinking a glass of wine and taking a pill.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The single most difficult part of Rainbeau’s job last season was to stay up on lates with Solène, having to do both their jobs while Solène was busy having a glass of wine or breaking someone’s heart.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • This becomes clear when, moving on from ephemera, the exhibit turns cerebral.
    — J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Brands will be able to see and feel the fabric in person at Avalo’s exhibit at the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam, an invite-only event for the denim industry this October 14 and 15.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The curators have also organized an exhibition within an exhibition, producing a simulacrum of Lichtenstein’s 1962 Leo Castelli Gallery debut.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The reports say that when a post office facility was struck, about a third of the entire exhibition was destroyed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibition
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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • For Gabriela Hearst’s display silver-color, foil-like adornments spotted a few foreheads.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Detroit's explosive offense was on full display in Week 5 against Arizona, with four different players recording catches of at least 20 yards and Jahmyr Gibbs adding a 20-plus-yard run.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The result is a content-generating extravaganza that veers deeper into runway show territory than low-key industry appointment.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, because the 100th anniversary special won’t be duplicated, like an annual awards program, or last for weeks, like a soccer tournament, advertisers likely feel assured their backing of the extravaganza will get noticed.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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