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

Andy Pages then hit a sharp grounder to the left of Gold Glover Matt Chapman, who made a spectacular diving stop and great throw to first. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Sweeping river views The interior is highlighted by open beam ceilings, triple pane windows and sweeping river views from nearly every room, including a spectacular sunroom. —John Turton, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Noun

The agreement will also bring an episode of Friday Night SmackDown to the Delta Center on October 31st, creating a two-night WWE spectacular for the fans in Utah. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

This is a kinetic big-scale spectacular that needs to be seen on the big screen. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 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