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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 According to some scholarly media critics, the plethora of popular portrayals of polygamy in the FLDS and related groups transforms the subject into a sensationalist spectacle. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026 But the visual spectacle represents only part of lucha libre. — Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 Along with the fashion spectacle of archival pieces and ornate designs—told in five acts to highlight the most important moments in Italian fashion history—we were blessed with beauty looks that define the spirit of la dolce vita. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 The starry-eyed standout has no use for flash and spectacle, much like the singer herself these days. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 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
  • 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
  • The students of the Aburi Girls Boarding School in central Ghana have gathered to perform for a recruiter from the Miss Ghana pageant.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • The real treasures, though, are displayed inside the museum-style glass concierge desk, where artifacts from the original hotel are on loan from the Naples Historical Society.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The building itself was then torn apart by builders scavenging stone, lead, glass and timber.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Find seasonal art exhibits in the Gallery Hall and check out the Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum also located inside.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • But for the rest of the exhibit’s run, the museum will display the bug in its entirety, in addition to sculpture, photographs and video that document how Ali has spent the last 15 years becoming her creature alter ego.
    — Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The exhibition is the international component of Second Harvest, an initiative from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Turkey and brewer Anadolu Efes in collaboration with MILKist Social Design Center.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Three years on, the atelier is now celebrating its 40th anniversary with a series of new exhibitions across India’s financial capital.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 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
  • North Korea has intensified tensions with a series of military displays this month, including short-range ballistic missile launches, live-fire missile and artillery exercises, and the commissioning of a new warship.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • And their impact was on full display against the Terrapins’ defense Saturday, as the trio all reached the end zone for the second consecutive game.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • While dining venues are complimentary, elaborate food-and-wine pairing extravaganzas come with a fee.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • At first a single-day affair, the celebration has quickly grown into a weekend-long extravaganza that draws tens of thousands of people — along with some of the show's cast members — to Brighton.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 22 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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