Synonyms of spectacle

spectacle

noun

ˈspek-ti-kəl 

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

• pageant
• exhibit
• exhibition
• spectacular
• display
• extravaganza
• circus
• raree-show
• exposition

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

• glass
• sunglasses
• eyeglasses
• specs
• goggles
• lorgnette
• monocle
• bifocals
• half-glasses
• contact lens
• trifocals
• pince-nez

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spectacle

Locals and tourists liken the stunt to a David Blaine spectacle, snapping photos, speculating about the man’s comforts and, crucially for Netflix, vowing to watch the movie behind the buzz. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Abelardo de la Espriella, a millionaire lawyer with a taste for spectacle, took office Friday for his four-year term after a campaign focused on anger and fears about security. — CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

Celestial events are among the oldest and most profound human experiences of the cosmos, inspiring stories as grand as the sky is wide to explain the marvelous spectacles that arch overhead. — Michael J. Caduto, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Indeed, that’s the idea behind the two-hour-long spectacle that mixes live baseball with music, dance, comedic bits and other high jinks. — Chris Placek, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026