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

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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 Oversight highs and lows The modern era of congressional oversight has produced some very important reforms – and some truly regrettable spectacles. — Gibbs Knotts, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026 Las Vegas, with its international clientele and appetite for spectacle, offers a fitting backdrop. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026 But Stevens’s stand against El-Sayed had instead become a spectacle. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026 The entire cast, plus the members of the DWTS troupe, appear in each episode’s opening spectacle. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 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
  • Ericka, being lighter-skinned than Paulina, sparks a clash between the school's headmistress and the pageant director over beauty and who would have the best chance of winning the Miss Global Universe pageant.
    — Kristian Monroe, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026
  • JonBenét Ramsey was described by her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, as an outgoing child who performed in local beauty pageants.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • In addition to frosty glasses of Thai iced coffees and teas, there's tart housemade lemonade and delicately floral lychee lemonade.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Accumulation of glass pieces and liquid debris in the bottom of glassware cooler in bar area.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Almendariz and her daughter, Christina, are working to preserve both through traditional tule practices and an exhibit highlighting the relationship between Native communities and California's wetlands.
    — Conor McGill, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Among other efforts, the museum recently broke ground on Wonder Works, an auxiliary building where exhibits can be both created and repaired for the museum.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • Included in the exhibition are four portraits of Roman emperors whose statues once stood at Boubon’s Sebasteion, a monumental display dedicated to the Roman imperial family, notes Tech Times.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The new collection will be presented in Paris during the menswear fashion week in January, alongside a broader cultural program encompassing an exhibition and music.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Throughout the performance, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr made cameos before the two-song spectacular came to an end.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • Investigators found in a closet dozens of Louis Vuitton handbags lining the top shelf, many pairs of Christian Louboutin boots and a display case full of handbags made of exotic furs.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Items including flan and cheese cake in front display case and guacamole, rice and cheese dip in walk-in cooler lacking date mark.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Or for a truly boisterous experience, head to Wrigleyville’s Santa Baby, a multilevel extravaganza with hundreds of sparkling ornaments, candy-cane walls, real-life Santas, and themed food and drinks.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • For nearly a decade, the concepts submitted for consideration turned out to be some of the most popular spots aired during the NFL extravaganza.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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