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
: something that is spectacular
especially
: an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production
Synonyms
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
Marci Robin, Allure, 17 Nov. 2023
It’s set to be a Latin music spectacular, with a coterie of hosts for the evening including Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez, Danna Paola and Paz Vega.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023
Here, guests can check into one of the 254 rooms or suites, which all sport coastal decor to reflect the natural surroundings outside, and many of those rooms come with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
Pearly white beaches are decked out with plenty of vibrant seashells (the shelling here is spectacular), a plethora of watersports, and that placid aquamarine body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico.
—Kara Franker, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023
This was the setting for one of the year’s more spectacular high-jewelry reveals, courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023
In autumn, the oranges and yellows of the leaves put on a spectacular show, making this area well worth a visit on any Utah road trip, just like the five national parks that reside within the stunning state.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023
The farmers markets here are spectacular, with fresh produce coming from the Central Coast down to San Diego.
—Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2023
The vibe is calm, food is grown on-site, and the lodging is spectacular — and varied.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2023
Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023
Last night, the stars descended on London to celebrate Vogue World, a fashion spectacular staged to celebrate and fundraise for the arts.
—Alexandre Marain, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2023
Think rides, live performances, character meet-and-greets, parades and nighttime spectaculars with fireworks.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 July 2023
Fox struck a deal for its last bit of available in-game commercial inventory in late January and was comfortable enough Monday with client commitments to declare a sell out for the February 12 gridiron spectacular.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Feb. 2023
Earlier this year, Martínez participated in the WWE’s Backlash spectacular in Puerto Rico.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2023
The record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber arrives in Louisville with new choreography, lighting and sound to tell the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 19 Jan. 2022
Thursday’s concert was the world premiere of Abba Voyage, a 90-minute spectacular that runs in London seven times a week until at least December, with potential to extend until April 2026, when the permission for the Abba Arena expires, with the land being designated for housing.
—New York Times, 27 May 2022
Along with working alongside each other on the current season 21 of The Voice, Grande and Clarkson will also team up for Clarkson's upcoming holiday spectacular Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around airing Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
—Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE.com, 23 Nov. 2021
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Adjective
On November 16, the Duchess of Sussex attended the Variety Power of Women event at Los Angeles's Mother Wolf with a bevy of other celebrities, like Billie Eilish, Margot Robbie, and Dua Lipa, all of whom looked spectacular in their own ways.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 17 Nov. 2023
It’s set to be a Latin music spectacular, with a coterie of hosts for the evening including Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez, Danna Paola and Paz Vega.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023
Here, guests can check into one of the 254 rooms or suites, which all sport coastal decor to reflect the natural surroundings outside, and many of those rooms come with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
Pearly white beaches are decked out with plenty of vibrant seashells (the shelling here is spectacular), a plethora of watersports, and that placid aquamarine body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico.
—Kara Franker, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023
This was the setting for one of the year’s more spectacular high-jewelry reveals, courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023
In autumn, the oranges and yellows of the leaves put on a spectacular show, making this area well worth a visit on any Utah road trip, just like the five national parks that reside within the stunning state.
—Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023
The farmers markets here are spectacular, with fresh produce coming from the Central Coast down to San Diego.
—Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2023
The vibe is calm, food is grown on-site, and the lodging is spectacular — and varied.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2023
Noun
White Castle: Leading up to the spooky spectacular, the burger spot is conjuring up some deals.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023
Last night, the stars descended on London to celebrate Vogue World, a fashion spectacular staged to celebrate and fundraise for the arts.
—Alexandre Marain, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2023
Think rides, live performances, character meet-and-greets, parades and nighttime spectaculars with fireworks.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 July 2023
Fox struck a deal for its last bit of available in-game commercial inventory in late January and was comfortable enough Monday with client commitments to declare a sell out for the February 12 gridiron spectacular.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Feb. 2023
Earlier this year, Martínez participated in the WWE’s Backlash spectacular in Puerto Rico.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2023
The record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber arrives in Louisville with new choreography, lighting and sound to tell the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 19 Jan. 2022
Thursday’s concert was the world premiere of Abba Voyage, a 90-minute spectacular that runs in London seven times a week until at least December, with potential to extend until April 2026, when the permission for the Abba Arena expires, with the land being designated for housing.
—New York Times, 27 May 2022
Along with working alongside each other on the current season 21 of The Voice, Grande and Clarkson will also team up for Clarkson's upcoming holiday spectacular Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around airing Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
—Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE.com, 23 Nov. 2021
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectacular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near spectacular
Cite this Entry
“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on spectacular
Nglish: Translation of spectacular for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of spectacular for Arabic Speakers
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