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

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

But two of the endeavor’s most compelling aspects are difficult to convey in any individual image, no matter how spectacular: the sheer amount of data Rubin will produce and the speed with which those data will flood into astronomers’ work. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025

No matter the season, there’s something spectacular to behold or enjoy in the Great White North. —Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025

Noun

Other Native American tribes have called the lunar spectacular the Hot Moon and the Blooming Moon, to commemorate the spring season, and the Hatching Moon or Birth Moon to commemorate new life. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 June 2025

Disneyland's 70th celebrations began on Friday, May 16 and will continue through summer 2026 with new parades, nighttime spectaculars, decorations, merch and much more. —Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 16 May 2025

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

• spiracular
• 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