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 While anyone watching from East Coast cities including New York and Jacksonville will see the lunar spectacle peak around midnight local time. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The rumble combines lighting, music and choreography to create one of the show's biggest spectacles. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 One of my longtime leagues uses Rock, Paper, Scissors, which usually produces a similar level of tension and spectacle as a UFC bout. — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Plus, most of the band’s earnings went back into the touring spectacle. — Wes Orshoski, SPIN, 20 Aug. 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
  • JonBenét’s involvement in beauty pageants became fodder for tabloids, suspicion surrounded her parents even after they had been cleared as suspects, and numerous theories developed regarding who killed her.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In 1921, the Miss America pageant was founded, a major event held in Atlantic City for decades that helped extend the tourism season.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • In the 1850s, while living in Seneca Falls, New York, amateur scientist Eunice Newton Foote did a series of experiments that put different substances, including carbon dioxide and moist air, inside glass cylinders and left them in the sun.
    — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That glass gallery showcases collaborations between Hoffmann and one of the show’s two Jewish and female protagonists, Felice Rix, whose career Hoffmann helped launch.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The event is expected to feature over 2,000 exhibits from more than 300 exhibitors, including over 150 products making their debut.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Except here, parents can bring their kids along for the festivities and check out a penguin exhibit or ride a roller coaster all in the same night.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The exhibition is an excellent excuse to visit Ciutadella with its warren of atmospheric streets, much as Son Ermità is the perfect excuse to visit, or return to, Menorca.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibition will feature 10 immersive zones, each inviting visitors into the world of Schulz (known as Sparky) and Peanuts, exploring his enduring influence on culture.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • 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
  • Sure, the city has fantastic architecture, world-class restaurants, Broadway spectaculars, and those oh-so-gorgeous hotels.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • The single-floor, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is free-flowing, allowing for the owner to be creative in their displays.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Yoane Wissa’s encouraging display against Liverpool suggested the DR Congo international is capable of playing as either a No 10 or as a striker, though Nick Woltemade was an unused substitute, raising fresh questions over his future.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The garden is famous for its annual orchid show, an extravaganza that usually runs from February to April.
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The auctions during Monterey Car Week, the annual extravaganza of classic car auctions, shows, races and awards, are expected to reach $470 million to $500 million, according to Hagerty.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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