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 spectacle took home a total of seven wins, including musical direction, choreography, sound mixing, lighting design, technical direction/camerawork and directing. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 Much has been debated and discussed about its many metaphors and symbolism, which employed elements of a splintered universe long before the multiverse was hijacked by Hollywood superhero spectacles. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Amid the spectacle, Drake took a moment to reflect on the milestone. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2026 The film is a wild, frequently grotesque spectacle that careens between horror, action, slapstick, and black comedy. — Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 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
  • Her photographs capture the curious rituals and unexpected intimacies of a pageant devoted entirely to hair.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Glow Cushion will not give you that beauty pageant look—which is the point.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • In addition to frosty glasses of Thai iced coffees and teas, there's tart housemade lemonade and delicately floral lychee lemonade.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Accumulation of glass pieces and liquid debris in the bottom of glassware cooler in bar area.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Major museums, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais — where a major Cézanne exhibit is on display — were shuttered Saturday.
    — Richard Engel, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibition celebrates these workers, many of them immigrants, through exhibits like the photographs of Robert Doisneau, who worked for Renault full-time from 1934 to 1939.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opened Wednesday across six waterfront venues, welcoming thousands of visitors for day one of what is billed as the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition.
    — Mike Stocker, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • At the Academy Museum, which opened in 2021 and runs roughly 600 repertory screenings a year alongside exhibitions across four floors, Homma says the brief extends well beyond North American film history.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 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
  • Investigators found in a closet dozens of Louis Vuitton handbags lining the top shelf, many pairs of Christian Louboutin boots and a display case full of handbags made of exotic furs.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Items including flan and cheese cake in front display case and guacamole, rice and cheese dip in walk-in cooler lacking date mark.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The 36-suite Hotel Yellowstone, named a Western Wonder in Robb Report’s 2025 Best of the Best awards, served as the home base for the four-day extravaganza.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The upscale magic venue known as The Hand & The Eye has announced quite the Halloween extravaganza this weekend.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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