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 Given the occasion and what was at stake, extra time — and in particular the last five minutes of it — must surely be considered among the most exciting spectacles sport has ever produced. Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Still others prefer to make the pursuit of truth by document into a spectacle. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 Fans also respond strongly to Woody and Buzz reuniting, with the trailer triggering emotional memory recall more than spectacle. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026 These movies are wildly popular spectacles, even if the plots are a little thin. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • The building hosted many notable events, including the Miss USA pageant in 2001 and 2002, a rally by President Barack Obama, concerts by Prince, Whitney Houston, Ludacris, LL Cool J and many others.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
  • The store became a sponsor of the Miss World beauty pageant, and John served as a judge for Miss Universe Great Britain, a significant recruiting pipeline for models.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Here’s to a glass-skin, gorgeous complexion this summer at a budget-friendly price.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Every few feet were cairns of glass swept away from shattered storefronts.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • As a concept, the trucks seem to be inspired by the Freedom Train of the 1976 bicentennial, which carried founding documents and other historical exhibits around the country.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • The exhibit unfolded in partnership with Home of Football, a new cultural destination dedicated to the globally beloved game, which opened in the heart of New York’s design district between Chelsea and Hudson Yards on Monday.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Tavares Strachan, 'Bar Room,' acquired by Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti in the fall of 2025, will permanently remain beyond the dates of the exhibition.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • The exhibition continues through the summer as part of the district’s broader cultural offerings during the World Cup period.
    J.M. Banks June 20, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • In what is being compared to a Super Bowl spectacular, the performances are set to be broadcast live to millions of soccer fans.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 June 2026
  • Last summer, Atlanta announced an ambitious plan to end encampments and other street sleeping downtown ahead of the 39-day soccer spectacular that begins June 11.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The Frenchman’s brace put his full skillset on display – the first coming off a diagonal run through the box and a first-time shot that went to the left and rolled past Senegal keeper Eduard Mendy.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Fans wearing jerseys of all teams strolled through to take in the displays and snap selfies.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Then-Mayor John Lindsay had cut down on ticker-tape extravaganzas for financial and other reasons.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • The King and Queen rode in the first carriage, as always, attending the five-day racing extravaganza for the third day in a row.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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