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
Ferro details Disney’s plan to link the live spectacle of the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Oscars for big brands.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 May 2026
One year offers a fleeting, cinematic eclipse around sunset; the next delivers a long, high-altitude spectacle.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
For a few minutes, the day will turn to twilight, the sun’s corona will appear, and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles will unfold over a variety of spectacular landscapes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
But what was most striking wasn’t the politics or even the spectacle.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 May 2026
One year offers a fleeting, cinematic eclipse around sunset; the next delivers a long, high-altitude spectacle.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
For a few minutes, the day will turn to twilight, the sun’s corona will appear, and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles will unfold over a variety of spectacular landscapes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
But what was most striking wasn’t the politics or even the spectacle.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
-
Before competing on Big Brother season 24, Hale won Miss Michigan USA and Miss Congeniality in Miss USA 2021, which became a point of contention when her fellow competitors bullied her for coming off as too much of a pageant queen.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
Jr Teen pageant again the weekend of April 10 in Wiltshire.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The fitness center had glass walls facing the gym (perhaps to add a bit of workout motivation before donning a swimsuit).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Ouija boards were enshrined in glass cases throughout the room; periodically, a small silver bell tolled without warning, moving as though on its own.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
This cultural event features a weekend full of authentic Greek cuisine, live music and cultural exhibits.—
Kayla Rivera,
AJC.com,
12 May 2026
-
Below, Variety presents an exclusive set of images from the exhibit, including handwritten lyrics, original artwork, tour memorabilia and photos.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Those awards will be given out on the show’s closing day, on November 22, instead of during the exhibition’s public opening.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
9 May 2026
-
More than half a million people are expected to visit the monumental international art fair over the next six months to see the work of over 100 artists and 99 nations, spread across 31 permanent national pavilions and a series of other exhibition spaces.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 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
-
Still, Malaysian officials framed the display less as an art event than as an act of restitution.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
-
The centerpiece of the arena has been on display in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where a mockup of a soaring 90-foot tall, open-air structure was assembled ahead of the White House event.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Held every spring in Louisville, Kentucky, the extravaganza is also known for the vibrant, over-the-top styles that showcase outfits that are playful and impossible to ignore.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
The production, co-directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, jettisons the animal masquerade for a different kind of drag extravaganza.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
