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 The order pauses what threatened to be a damaging political spectacle over the theft of $580,000 in cash from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala private game farm. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 July 2026 For the Gulf War veteran from rural North Carolina, Burning Man wasn't just about spectacle. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 July 2026 The film is made to be a special effects explosion of color and otherworldly spectacle all presented on a massive scale. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 In a statement, Alegre gave credit to the power of the soccer spectacle. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 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
  • Aquino had recently been awarded second place in the regional pageant, which precedes the national Miss Universe Honduras pageant.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • Beyond her work in pageants, Malcolm was an actress, television presenter, and dance instructor.
    — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Moreover, with new and different form factors emerging, consumers have even more choices, ranging from rings and bracelets to glasses and watches.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Set the Scene The eight-story building is stylish, with a red brick facade encased in glass and steel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The house, now a visitor’s center with exhibits and a souvenir shop, is free to access, but guided tours of the house and battlefields are available for purchase.
    — Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • The ticket includes, among other things, access to exhibits, nature paths and a train ride.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The second floor will feature a gallery to showcase the history of race relations in North Texas, honoring Rouse's memory with a permanent gallery, interpretive exhibitions, and educational programming.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Duncan helped stage several exhibitions of Pousette-Dart’s work, including a showcase celebrating the centennial of his birth at the Whitney Museum of American Art, to an exhibition at the Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden, Germany.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 22 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
  • The Vienna’s display is also more comprehensive, with a power output graph, a trip meter, and a ride timer.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The cafeteria-style trays and displays here are loaded with red-bean buns, bacon epi breads and other sweet and savory handheld snacks that’d fit right in at a park function.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 July 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • In those films, Nolan retained his auteurist fire while creating big, bold populist extravaganzas.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • That number will surely grow once the $100million qualifier pot is divvied up, though so too will the take of the elite clubs, whose players were plenty present in the two-year build-up to this summer’s extravaganza.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 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 29 Jul. 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 inveigle

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'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

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

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All