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 traveling series is certainly a spectacle. G.w. Allen, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026 The big-budget spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 In a city full of spectacle like Los Angeles, standing out is no easy feat. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 As a result, his life offstage became just as much a spectacle as his onstage persona. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • Before her unforgettable appearance in Cool Hand Luke, Harmon was modeling and doing beauty pageants.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Dominican Yamilex Hernández, the first Miss Universe Latina, and Vanessa Pulgarín, Miss Universe Colombia 2025, will take part in the inaugural Miss Grand International All Stars pageant, which will be held in Thailand on May 30.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Simmons owns all of them, using the small ones for wine and the medium ones as everyday glasses.
    Jennifer Zyman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Refilling your hummingbird feeder with Perky-Pet is as easy as pouring yourself a glass of water.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibit has clearly become a draw for the zoo.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Some die-hard hometown Prince fans have been frustrated that more new exhibits and events don’t take place there beyond the annual Celebration around Prince’s June 7 birthday (coming up again June 3-7).
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The latest installments in this series are the most eye-catching of the nearly twenty works in Chan’s exhibition at the gallery Greene Naftali.
    Dawn Chan, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Following exhibitions in 2018 and 2019, however, Olympic inclusion was scrapped when COVID-19 delayed the Games.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And 2026 is already off to a bright start, with a buzzy debut novel from Jennette McCurdy, plenty of celebrity memoirs and sci-fi spectaculars.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Nothing this spectacular happens by accident.
    Jordan Robinson, SELF, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The supremacy of filmmaking craft on display here is what makes Janus’ restoration so worthy of celebration.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
  • At other times, as was the case in the display photographed, there is no prey animal in sight, and the dance seems simply to be an expression of exuberance.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk led off the extravaganza, and team play-by-play voice Brandon Gaudin was the master of ceremonies.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Netflix‘s latest action extravaganza wastes zero time in getting to the good stuff, so this review won’t either.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

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