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

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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 All about sustainable beauty, fashion, design, and wellness Since it was first unveiled at picturesque Taormina, Sicily in 2012, Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda shows have proven to be the most exclusive, and visually captivating of all fashion spectacles. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 The incredible spectacles last May (and another auroral outburst last October) were partly a matter of luck because several factors, some of them serendipitous, affect the appearance of aurora. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 May 2025 Pieces of that spacecraft broke up into several smaller fireballs during its plummet, turning the mass into a bright streaking spectacle across the night sky. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025 Throughout the show, she was seen recording and dancing along to Gaga’s Viva La Mayhem spectacle. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • García represented Nicaragua at the Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico, where she was placed among the Top 30.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Hudson was named second runner-up, but the two left the pageant hand-in-hand.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Squeegee The Shower Mayr acknowledges that not everyone wants the hassle, but using a squeegee after showers will keep glass, porcelain, and tile looking clean for longer.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
  • In the meantime, Saturn in Aries, activating your seventh house of partnerships, puts your one-on-one connections under a magnifying glass, especially the ones that require more maturity or accountability.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The mountain’s storied past is detailed via interactive exhibits in the stylish Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center, opened in 2021.
    Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
  • Interactive sports exhibit The California Science Center next to the Coliseum has opened a free interactive sports exhibit that will stay open through the 2028 Olympic Games.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The joint practice or practices would be at least two days before the exhibition game.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
  • The driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing won the competitive midseason exhibition race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The nighttime spectacular makes a return, while Wondrous Journeys will feature state-of-the-art projections.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 May 2025
  • Each party will be seated at a private table by the window to ensure direct views of Disney’s Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime spectacular, the fireworks show that takes place over the World Showcase Lagoon.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • The base model 2026 Kia Sportage LX comes standard with 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The events garner media attention, with their photo-ready displays of firearms taken out of circulation.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Revelry, which launched during the week of World’s 50 Best Restaurants last year, features a walk-around tasting extravaganza known as the Feast along with prominent guest-chef dinners, master classes and mixology pop-ups.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • One casualty of the artist doing two shows a night, which didn’t take place in those other cities, is that the L.A. shows were not three-hour extravaganzas, as in other cities, necessitating to cutting an encore segment of mostly cover songs that amounted to a whole third set everywhere else.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025

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“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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