1
as in pageant
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event
the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in glass
spectacles plural
a pair of lenses set in a frame that is held in place with ear supports and which are usually worn to correct vision
bought a pair of spectacles with nonprescription lenses simply to look more intelligent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spectacle
While many rock stars of the era went big—mansions, flash, spectacle—Sting went in the opposite direction.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
In the early 1900s, long before smartphones and selfie sticks, tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park — not for the geysers or scenery, but for a grotesque show: A nightly spectacle of grizzly bears raiding cafeteria scraps from open-pit landfills like desperate, starving pirates.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest.
—Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle.
—Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
In the early 1900s, long before smartphones and selfie sticks, tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park — not for the geysers or scenery, but for a grotesque show: A nightly spectacle of grizzly bears raiding cafeteria scraps from open-pit landfills like desperate, starving pirates.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest.
—Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle.
—Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
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Jordon was a cheerleader in high school and college, attended Bridgewater State, and remains active on the pageant circuit.—
Bill Speros,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
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Fans are also able to purchase POP Pageant Package tickets, which allow access to a pre-show pageant that includes VIP-only merch, a laminate, and early access to venues.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Noun
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The town home also has a two-car garage and a variety of modern features in its bathrooms, including floating vanities, glass shower doors and integrated Bluetooth speakers in the ceiling.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
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But there’s North East Pickle Noodle ($15.99, pork, pickled cabbage, glass noodle).—
Michael Deeds
July 7,
Idaho Statesman,
7 July 2025
Noun
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This column, adapted from remarks at the opening of the PragerU Founders Museum exhibit last month, was originally published by RealClearEducation and made available via RealClearWire.—
Linda McMahon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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There are about 100 book exhibitors, special exhibits, a local talent performance stage and food trucks planned for the event.—
Craig Shoup,
The Tennessean,
3 July 2025
Noun
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This is an exhibition — his exhibition — titled ‘Football City, Art United’, part of the biennial Manchester International Festival.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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Roughly a quarter are on display at two permanent exhibitions — their original museum in Orlando and their Las Vegas flagship — as well as five traveling shows circling the globe.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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His skill playing off the shoulder was on full display in his statement performance against Verona in November, when his hat-trick powered Fiorentina to a 3-1 win.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Its storied history is a big draw, but the 265-room hotel constantly strives to improve itself with new seasonal menus, extravagant lobby displays (from oversized flower arrangements to edible Easter décor), and sumptuous spa treatments.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The billionaire Amazon founder has been forced to relocate his three-day extravaganza in Venice, following protests in the city.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
25 June 2025
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The Club World Cup and World Cup are in separate orbits, with the latter extravaganza enjoying a much loftier apogee.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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