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

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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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spectacle The final result, however, was less important than the spectacle on opening night. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025 Protest organizers have framed the move as a rejection of the spectacle, which will mark the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army as well as the 79th birthday of President Trump. Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 14 June 2025 The attention-seeking spectacle received rave reviews from his colleagues and their agitprop pushers in the media. Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025 Critics of the administration also expressed unease over their presence in an American city, blasting the parade as the sort of spectacle more expected from countries like Russia, China and North Korea. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • The pageant featured contestants dressed in elaborate costumes tied back to the city's humble yet iconic bird.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • On the side, the former beauty pageant queen creates handmade jewelry via her company, House of Mitti. #35.
    Steven Bertoni, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The 8x10-inch frame is vertically aligned and holds one picture behind glass.
    Lauren Fischer, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • The cinematic tale promises daring visuals, which are kaleidoscopic and often make the story, and life, feel like shattered glass.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • These performances were intended to bring to light the role of fossil fuel giant BP in sponsoring the museum’s exhibits, and thus the Tate’s complicity in the climate change crisis.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The fair features a wide variety of activities and events, including rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and more.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The exhibition includes very early designs made from decaying fabrics.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
  • Titled after the 1995 album by Orange County riot grrrl band Emily’s Sassy Lime, featured artists in the show, the exhibition takes youth–its awkwardness, radicality, resilience–as both theme and inspiration.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Happiness will be the theme behind a daytime parade, nighttime spectacular, two projection shows and a song by the Jonas Brothers during the 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that officially kicks off on Friday, May 16.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The end of the exhibit includes a touchscreen display showing flights at CLT in real time.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • The original Birkin, acquired by Paris collector Catherine B. in 2000, was put on public display for the first time in continental Europe at Sotheby’s Paris galleries last fall, and then at Sotheby’s flagship in Hong Kong earlier this year, drawing thousands of visitors.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • For the first time, Prime Day is a four-day shopping extravaganza.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Round One of the playoff, a 16-game extravaganza, is then played over the 4-day Turkey Holiday.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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