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 Where Maya can’t help but explode into spectacle, Anjali absorbs the world around her. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 In its 35th season, DWTS continues to evolve while retaining the particular mix of spectacle, competition, and camp that gives it a cross-generational appeal. Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026 This is the first time a Korean production has attempted a spectacle of this scale. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 What Could Be Next Expect the pre-loved runway to become a recurring format, not a one-off spectacle. Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • Because JonBenét had won several child beauty pageants, images of her in makeup and garish costumes created a spectacle around the case (which is still unsolved), and around the Ramseys.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The competition is separate from the Miss America pageant, which traces its history to a 1921 event in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Pushing those briars aside revealed a single splinter of stained glass, bright as a ruby and warm as blood.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Because the fees are calculated according to weight, glass is facing disproportionate costs compared to cardboard and plastic.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibit has since become one of the museum’s most popular attractions.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Washington Post reported that officials at an unidentified national park had ordered that the photo be taken down, along with other signs and exhibits related to slavery.
    Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Yet Texhibition Istanbul itself has been holding steady, taking up five halls while other exhibitions around the world were shrinking.
    Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Started in 2019, FuelFest is a traveling exhibition that’s proving as endearing and enduring as its cinematic inspiration.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
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
Noun
  • The results of these efforts were on prominent display in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death.
    Benjamin Wofford, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • All three phones feature OLED displays, silicon-carbon batteries between 6,510mAh and 8,000mAh in size, and run on Vivo’s OriginOS 7 software.
    Dominic Preston, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Los Angeles city officials and some community and union activists have expressed concern about whether the sports extravaganza will help working-class people and small businesses.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • After seeing Gaynor’s Vegas extravaganza, Burnett recruited Mackie to design the costumes for The Carol Burnett Show.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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