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

Relevance
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 Arisco clearly enjoys productions that rely on sharp dialogue and strong storytelling rather than spectacle. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 The same festival of mass man-murder could surely be mounted elsewhere but not with the same spectacle-to-intimacy ratio. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The unfolding of a widespread progressivism in the Church was succeeded by the spectacle of Paul’s domination of progressivism and by the reassertion of conservativism. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 When Dury entered the airport, she was immediately struck by how completely it had been transformed into a Christmas spectacle. — Sacbee.com, 27 July 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
  • There isn’t always a Jerry Dipoto to out-wacky your front office in a wacky pageant, but sometimes there is.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The trio, each of whom has completely opposing personas, of course, set out on a road trip from New York City to Los Angeles in a vintage Cadillac to attend the Drag Queen of America pageant.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Although there was no place to safely stop immediately after the incident, Siddiqui checked to see that Aisha wasn’t bleeding, but noticed there was glass on her and in her shoes.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a casual lounge filled with soft gray couches, perfect for an afternoon glass of wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The exhibit's visitors can get a chilling feel for the time, with full scale recreations of the annex rooms where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.
    — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors will move through cave-like interiors centered on an interactive exhibit named Elysium.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The other highlight was an immersive fashion exhibition spread over two floors.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Current Levine Museum programs The museum plans to open a temporary exhibition that will be announced in the fall, Cooper said.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Viewing instructions for Epic Universe theme park’s new nighttime spectacular could well be to look up, down and all around.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • The patriotic spectaculars are part of the team’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • His monstrous power should be on full display this afternoon and result in a home run.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While four of the zoo’s lions are in the process of recovery, three others remain sick, according to officials, who said that the animals’ health was their first priority and that they had been suspended from public display.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • No Way Home, the Marvel superhero extravaganza which, of course, brings Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s multiversal versions of Peter Parker/Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Ruaridh Aldington is joining Season 2 as a series regular, his new co-star Karim Diané revealed during the Star Trek extravaganza at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of torpor

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All