spectacular

adjective spec·tac·u·lar \ spek-ˈta-kyə-lər , spək- \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: spectacular in a Sentence

Definition of spectacular

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

a spectacular display of fireworks

—

spectacularly

adverb

See spectacular defined for English-language learners

See spectacular defined for kids

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

a spectacular play in a football game
The autumn foliage was spectacular.

Recent Examples of spectacular from the Web

The nitro Mokuren Matcha is the most spectacular and sophisticated nonalcoholic drink option in Philly right now.

— joy manning, Philly.com, "Where to drink in Philadelphia during Dry July," 12 July 2018
But if an eye-popping new video tweeted out by a major hyperloop firm is accurate, the view could be spectacular.

— kate baggaley /, NBC News, "This trippy optical illusion could make hyperloop tubes transparent," 29 June 2018
The Rockets had seen the Warriors at their most spectacular and were in position to take the win the Warriors were already celebrating.

— jonathan feigen, Houston Chronicle, "Rockets rally in thrilling fourth quarter, hold off Warriors to even series," 22 May 2018
For some Oahu residents, following the coverage of Kilauea’s latest eruptive episode is similar to monitoring severe weather across the continental U.S. — both spectacular and heartbreaking, but still far, far away.

— shannon tangonan, USA TODAY, "For Honolulu residents, Hawaii volcano eruptions seem close to home — and far, far away," 17 May 2018
There are limits to how spectacular and abstract these deaths can be, particularly if the heroes seem callous about them.

— constance grady, Vox, "How the ending of Avengers: Infinity War finds power in cheap spectacle," 4 May 2018
Like Fleabag,-Bridge's last endeavor, Killing Eve is a spectacular and spectacularly peculiar knock-out of a show.

— julia felsenthal, Vogue, "For Sandra Oh, Killing Eve Was a Very Long Time Coming," 5 Apr. 2018
Plus, ground landings are pretty spectacular to watch, and the California coast will make for a great backdrop.

— loren grush, The Verge, "SpaceX may finally land one of its rockets on the California coast later this year," 6 July 2018
The 42nd annual Macy’s 4th of July firework show combines a pyrotechnic spectacle -- which will be Macy’s largest firework display since the Millennial Celebration of 2000 -- with spectacular performances.

— heran mamo, Billboard, "Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and More Set For Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectacular.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spectacular

Latin spectaculum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1682

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

spectacular

noun

Definition of spectacular

: something that is spectacular; especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of spectacular from the Web

If your area isn’t a risk for wildfires, check out our recommendations on where to catch the best firework spectaculars in the West.

— marie salcido, Sunset, "Will Drones Replace Your Fourth of July Fireworks?," 22 Jan. 2018
The show, which concludes on May 26, is the latest edition of Disney’s live-to-film spectaculars, following The Little Mermaid and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

— keith caulfield, Billboard, "'Beauty and the Beast' in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl: 8 Animated Highlights," 26 May 2018
More: Jack-O-Lantern spectacular: What to expect at this year's Halloween must-see event More: Beauty with a dash of spooky.

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back. Here's how to get in free," 16 Oct. 2017
Unfortunately, until those critical funds and resources come through, the hit Broadway spectacular will have to suffice.

— michael andor brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "The Weekender: A marathon pre-Marathon weekend," 12 Apr. 2018
That might make Washington more skeptical of the freewheeling, unscripted headline grabbing reality-show style television spectaculars that Trump seems to relish -- but have now twice been proven not to shape policy.

— stephen collinson, CNN, "Trump not so tough on guns," 12 Mar. 2018
Cirque du Soleil has announced the dates for Sep7imo Día - No Descansaré, its acrobatic spectacular based on the music and story of the Argentine trio Soda Stereo.

— judy cantor-navas, Billboard, "Cirque du Soleil Announces U.S. Dates for Soda Stereo Spectacular," 4 Jan. 2018
Cirque du Soleil combines circus arts such as juggling, high-wire acts and other specialty skills with colorful costumes and evocative music to create visual and aural spectaculars.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Cirque du Soleil's 'La Nouba' replacement will focus on Disney," 18 Dec. 2017
Founding his own eponymous theater company, Dragone went on to create a live residency show for Canadian pop singer Celine Dion, and launch death-defying aquatic spectaculars in Macau and Las Vegas.

— zeena saifi, jon jensen, CNN, "Franco Dragone brings his splashy magic to Dubai," 27 Sep. 2017