Definition of pageantnext
1
as in parade
a staged presentation often with music that consists of a procession of narrated or enacted scenes we always put on a Christmas pageant every year

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2
as in exhibit
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event an annual summertime pageant depicting the town's founding and colorful early history

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 pageant The World Cup doubles as a beauty pageant for each country’s fans, who strut around, sing their anthems, and try their best to look hot, happy, and, above all, passionate. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026 Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Denise Richards, Allison Janney, Amy Adams, and a small-town beauty pageant for the crowning title of Dairy Queen—what more is there to say? Air Mail, 4 July 2026 The 2026 festival included live entertainment, dozens of vendors, public health services, a scavenger hunt, a cultural parade, a beauty pageant and a live performance by the musical artist Common. Jack Harvel july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 This Fourth of July, the pageant will be loud. Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pageant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pageant
Noun
  • But no matter who claims the victory, the kids get to keep their World Cup gear, and a one-in-a-million opportunity to watch the match after their parade out with the players.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • This year features events spanning historical reenactments, fairs and parades — and a few reached capacity months ago.
    Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The proceedings were frequently bogged down by arguments over whether certain exhibits could be admitted into evidence and publicly broadcast via a camera in the courtroom.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Best Shopping Plaka Pore over a fascinating array of sand exhibits and pick up memorabilia made with sand, wood, and glass from Milos Sand Gallery.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The documentary — filmed on Santa Barbara Island, one of the Channel Islands — will be screened July 15 in a special Pride Week presentation by the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Bird Alliance.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • There was a presentation by Jerren Chang, President and CEO of Partners in Democracy.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Myriad ledgers record artworks and exhibitions alongside the income that sustained Saar and her then-young daughters — Alison, Lezley and Tracye — after her 1970 divorce from Richard Saar.
    Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • The Overland Park exhibition invited Black artists from across the Kansas City area to present work that reflected their identities, encouraging each artist to define themselves on their own terms.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Reached by several hundred steps, the summit rewards visitors with sweeping views across the town, islands and surrounding sea, one of Norway’s most memorable city panoramas.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Ernaux, the surprise French Nobel winner, packs this absorbing panorama with domestic, academic, and pop-cultural details.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • From her club seat with her friends, season ticket-holder Jade Greenhut captured the center circle spectacle.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • What Campos loved was the show, the spectacle, the opportunity for self-expression.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The skeleton was transported to New York and went on display for public viewing at the Breuer building from July 1-14 before the auction.
    Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Offer availability, placement, and display are determined by the third party and may be influenced by compensation and other factors.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Viewing instructions for Epic Universe theme park’s new nighttime spectacular could well be to look up, down and all around.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • The patriotic spectaculars are part of the team’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pageant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pageant. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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