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 While many rock stars of the era went big—mansions, flash, spectacle—Sting went in the opposite direction. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025 In the early 1900s, long before smartphones and selfie sticks, tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park — not for the geysers or scenery, but for a grotesque show: A nightly spectacle of grizzly bears raiding cafeteria scraps from open-pit landfills like desperate, starving pirates. Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025 The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest. Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle. Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
  • The pageant featured contestants dressed in elaborate costumes tied back to the city's humble yet iconic bird.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • On the side, the former beauty pageant queen creates handmade jewelry via her company, House of Mitti. #35.
    Steven Bertoni, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Raise a glass at (and to) The Remedy Lounge, where decadent non-alcoholic elixirs are specially crafted with botanicals and adaptogenic herbs designed, like the resort itself, to enhance well-being.
    Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The cinematic tale promises daring visuals, which are kaleidoscopic and often make the story, and life, feel like shattered glass.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Flair was one of numerous WWE superstars at Javits Center in New York, and the makeshift superstar entrance was undoubtedly the most popular exhibit, short of any panels.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • The fair features a wide variety of activities and events, including rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and more.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The exhibition includes very early designs made from decaying fabrics.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
  • Titled after the 1995 album by Orange County riot grrrl band Emily’s Sassy Lime, featured artists in the show, the exhibition takes youth–its awkwardness, radicality, resilience–as both theme and inspiration.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Disneyland's 70th celebrations began on Friday, May 16 and will continue through summer 2026 with new parades, nighttime spectaculars, decorations, merch and much more.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Happiness will be the theme behind a daytime parade, nighttime spectacular, two projection shows and a song by the Jonas Brothers during the 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that officially kicks off on Friday, May 16.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • As dusk turns to night on June 27, the shower is likely to produce its most impressive displays.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The 13-inch Laptop does make some welcome upgrades—a backlit keyboard, a somewhat larger and higher-resolution display panel—but its aluminum body feels slightly softer and flimsier than what the main Surface Laptop uses.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The billionaire Amazon founder has been forced to relocate his three-day extravaganza in Venice, following protests in the city.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
  • The Club World Cup and World Cup are in separate orbits, with the latter extravaganza enjoying a much loftier apogee.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

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!