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 Many of the strongest works this year embraced spectacle while grounding it in intimacy, endurance, and emotional frequency. Thomas Rom, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026 Albertsons Stadium rumbled Saturday night as monster truck madness took over the unrecognizable blue turf with a roaring, fiery, wheelie-popping spectacle. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2026 Leo celebrated Spain's Christian roots and culture with the huge morning Mass in downtown Madrid and an evening spectacle that featured flamenco dancers, classical guitar and a moving meditation by Spanish actor Antonio Banderas on art, faith and beauty. ABC News, 7 June 2026 The Americans are something of a mystery coming into this biggest-of-all sports spectacles. Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • From competitive cheerleading and dance to beauty pageants, my mother put me in it all.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 June 2026
  • For adult pageants, the organization will send Lianet Aguilera to Miss Supranational and Juan Daniel Naranjo to Mister Supranational, both contests held in Poland.
    Sarah Moreno May 31, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Original details like Murano glass chandeliers and heart pine floors preserve the property’s sense of place, while modern comforts keep the experience feeling luxurious rather than museum-like.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
  • Escola's custom Wiederhoeft creation featured a lace-up corset in pale blue taffeta with draping at the chest and hips and hand-embroidered metallic blue glass beads.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Everything first lady occupies multiple floors, including a small theater showing films, and rotating and themed exhibits exploring the influence and legacies of presidential counterparts throughout American history.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Items in the exhibit, which kicked off what would have been the late singer's birthday weekend, explore the relationship between musical instruments and the human body.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • At a celebratory exhibition match last week in the capital, under the watchful eye of the supreme leader, Naegohyang faced off against the under-17s team, who just added an Asian Cup to their impressive array of silverware, trouncing Japan 5-1 in the final.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • Flip it over, the exhibition caseback gives a full view of the manually wound movement with exceptional finishes and a power reserve of nearly three days.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Radio City Music Hall hosted the draft nine times and the Rockettes’ spring spectacular pushed the draft into May in 2014.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • And 2026 is already off to a bright start, with a buzzy debut novel from Jennette McCurdy, plenty of celebrity memoirs and sci-fi spectaculars.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Parts of the archive are on display at the museum.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • An electronic display shows the closing KOSPI index inside the lobby of the Korea Exchange in Seoul, South Korea, on June 1, 2026.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Grant Park also won’t hear the roars of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, a two-day extravaganza, now on a one-year hiatus, that filled the lakefront and downtown hotels in 2025.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
  • Each ceremony will feature top artistic performances that tap into the national identity, but Balich said spectators shouldn’t expect a Super Bowl-style halftime extravaganza.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026

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“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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