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
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Recent Examples of spectacle
While many rock stars of the era went big—mansions, flash, spectacle—Sting went in the opposite direction.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
In the early 1900s, long before smartphones and selfie sticks, tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park — not for the geysers or scenery, but for a grotesque show: A nightly spectacle of grizzly bears raiding cafeteria scraps from open-pit landfills like desperate, starving pirates.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest.
—Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle.
—Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
In the early 1900s, long before smartphones and selfie sticks, tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park — not for the geysers or scenery, but for a grotesque show: A nightly spectacle of grizzly bears raiding cafeteria scraps from open-pit landfills like desperate, starving pirates.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest.
—Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle.
—Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
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Jordon was a cheerleader in high school and college, attended Bridgewater State, and remains active on the pageant circuit.—
Bill Speros,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
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Fans are also able to purchase POP Pageant Package tickets, which allow access to a pre-show pageant that includes VIP-only merch, a laminate, and early access to venues.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Raise a glass at (and to) The Remedy Lounge, where decadent non-alcoholic elixirs are specially crafted with botanicals and adaptogenic herbs designed, like the resort itself, to enhance well-being.—
Lois Alter Mark,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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The cinematic tale promises daring visuals, which are kaleidoscopic and often make the story, and life, feel like shattered glass.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
These performances were intended to bring to light the role of fossil fuel giant BP in sponsoring the museum’s exhibits, and thus the Tate’s complicity in the climate change crisis.—
Marianne Krasny,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The fair features a wide variety of activities and events, including rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and more.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
The exhibition includes very early designs made from decaying fabrics.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
-
The Pioneers Assistance Fund (PAF) helps individuals in motion picture distribution, exhibition, and vendors exclusive to either sector who are encountering an illness, injury, or life-changing event.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Disneyland's 70th celebrations began on Friday, May 16 and will continue through summer 2026 with new parades, nighttime spectaculars, decorations, merch and much more.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
Happiness will be the theme behind a daytime parade, nighttime spectacular, two projection shows and a song by the Jonas Brothers during the 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that officially kicks off on Friday, May 16.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
15 May 2025
Noun
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As dusk turns to night on June 27, the shower is likely to produce its most impressive displays.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
The 13-inch Laptop does make some welcome upgrades—a backlit keyboard, a somewhat larger and higher-resolution display panel—but its aluminum body feels slightly softer and flimsier than what the main Surface Laptop uses.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The billionaire Amazon founder has been forced to relocate his three-day extravaganza in Venice, following protests in the city.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
25 June 2025
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The Club World Cup and World Cup are in separate orbits, with the latter extravaganza enjoying a much loftier apogee.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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