spectacle

noun

ˈspek-ti-kəl How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
Definition of spectaclenext
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 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 backstory Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005 on the site of the old Desert Inn, with Encore following in 2008; the big move was pulling spectacle inside instead of giving it away free at the curb. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026 But the stage that Springer cultivated was a gleeful one, a tacky spectacle of shock and depravity, an ungodly home for the freaks who knew just what to do when the lights came on. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Chuck compared it to the way Sade releases music — understated, with no need for spectacle. — A.j. Hilton, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 Red carpet interviewers have not yet been announced by MTV, but Snoop Dogg is set to host the main spectacle at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
  1. pageant
  2. glass
  3. exhibit
  4. exhibition
  5. spectacular
  6. display
  7. extravaganza
Noun
  • They’re then forced to compete in a beauty pageant, wearing lingerie and swimsuits, which Galán considers to be the ultimate motivator.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Desperate to regain her dominance while dazzling pageant recruiter Eloise Amponsah (Tony Award winner Patina Miller), who was Miss Ghana 1966, Paulina launches a campaign to crush Ericka’s spirit and dash her chances in the spotlight.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar serves up cocktails and wine by the glass alongside casual fare like patatas bravas and lobster corn dogs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Norway's government wants to get a handle on both the promise and peril of AI glasses, and is proposing that parliament enact a temporary ban on them in some places.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The exhibit has also been translated into Spanish, Ballard said.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There's also mammal dioramas, live animals, and other rotating exhibits.
    — Andrew Stelzer, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • In her review of the exhibition, critic Aruna D’Souza sees this resemblance as a blind spot in the show’s curation.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Paul Cassirer, the subject of the latter exhibition, is credited with bringing Impressionism to Germany and helping the country’s museums acquire top works.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Throughout the performance, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr made cameos before the two-song spectacular came to an end.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • Seaver did not respond to a request for comment asking if the display might have been part of his home’s Halloween decorations or potentially served some other purpose.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Just around a curved hallway are three colorful displays of books wrapped in African textiles by the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, each presiding over a cluster of seating.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Indeed, because the 100th anniversary special won’t be duplicated, like an annual awards program, or last for weeks, like a soccer tournament, advertisers likely feel assured their backing of the extravaganza will get noticed.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Some 80,000 young people filled the national stadium for an extravaganza of fireworks and a theatrical retelling of French Catholic history.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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