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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spectacle
If you’re already acquainted with the Bananas spectacle, consider this an itemized reminder, as well as an open space for stray Lucille Bluth quotes.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Racing drivers will always want more grip, but the addition of aerodynamics to push cars down onto the track surface can fundamentally change the racing, and not always in a way that makes for an entertaining spectacle for the audience.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
Fans fell silent across England, including in London’s Boxpark Wembley, where 1,200 people had gathered for the spectacle.
—Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Set pieces are teased with just enough spectacle – exploding cars, balletic fight sequences, and globe-trotting vistas – to assure fans that the sequel is raising the stakes.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Racing drivers will always want more grip, but the addition of aerodynamics to push cars down onto the track surface can fundamentally change the racing, and not always in a way that makes for an entertaining spectacle for the audience.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
Fans fell silent across England, including in London’s Boxpark Wembley, where 1,200 people had gathered for the spectacle.
—Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Set pieces are teased with just enough spectacle – exploding cars, balletic fight sequences, and globe-trotting vistas – to assure fans that the sequel is raising the stakes.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
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Kaye began as a music supervisor on American Idol in 2009 and spent 16 years curating songs that were sung by contestants, while also shaping the sound of Lip Sync Battle and the Miss Universe pageant.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
31 July 2025
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Another beauty queen will head from Miami to the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
22 July 2025
Noun
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At the time, the burglars allegedly smashed a glass door or window to break in before ransacking the home and fleeing, police sources told NBC News, ABC News and TMZ.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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In winter, the glass garage doors stay closed, casting a warm glow onto the street and drawing people in from the cold and dreary to eat shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Portlanders.—
Chelsea Frank,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The exhibit features a wide variety of media, including pottery and wood sculpture, watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Gwin’s father was a slaveowner and one of California’s first U.S. senators, according to the exhibit.—
Ethan Wolin
August 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Including the contest in Puerto Rico, the Heat will play six exhibition games this year.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
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The Clippers will open their 2025-26 schedule with an exhibition game against the Guangzhou Loong Lions on Oct. 9.—
Janis Carr,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Bryce Canyon features many of the characteristics that make Grand Canyon spectacular.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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Across the world, the team produces more than 150 live parades, stage shows and spectaculars every day, while developing and creating dozens of new shows, parades and events.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
16 July 2025
Noun
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But that begs the question: Are super-luxe vans with champagne chillers, 65-inch disappearing displays, and massive battery packs the answer to increasing EV adoption?—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
13 Aug. 2025
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For the first time, the bottom three bakers in most episodes will be forced to bake for their lives as judges Stephanie Boswell, Carla Hall and Zac Young decide whose chilling displays will earn $25,000 and the title of Halloween Baking Champion!—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Forbidden City: No genre film festival would be complete without a big martial arts action extravaganza.—
Scott Phillips,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Produced by Aditya Chopra, the action extravaganza marks the sixth installment in the blockbuster-laden YRF spy universe.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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