spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər 

spək-

: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational

a spectacular display of fireworks

spectacularly adverb

spectacular

2 of 2

noun

: something that is spectacular

especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Synonyms of spectacular

Noun

• exhibit
• pageant
• display
• exhibition
• spectacle
• extravaganza

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective

a spectacular play in a football game

The autumn foliage was spectacular.

Noun

the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Zepeda comes forward and throws volume, which is exactly the input Roach's counterpunching needs to look spectacular and exactly the pressure that has troubled him when the scorecards got close. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The respect that everyone has for them, together with their love of our country, kept this great championship the safest and most spectacular World Cup in history, BY FAR! — Colin Millar, New York Times, 21 July 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spectacular

• vernacular
• macular
• saccular
• unspectacular

Kids Definition

spectacular

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar

spek-ˈtak-yə-lər, 

spək-

: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : sensational

a spectacular sunset

spectacularly adverb