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 The one-off doc uses AI to tell the story of how Rome hosted wild spectacles for its citizens, featuring a range of exotic and dangerous wild animals. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 The incident occurred days before Google announced its multi-year partnership with Beast Industries, a company founded by YouTube influencer Jimmy Donaldson, also known as his media personality MrBeast, who produces viral spectacles online. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The precise spectacle changes daily because balloons travel with the wind rather than following a fixed route. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it? — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 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
  • In the 2000 comedy movie, Bullock’s Gracie Hart/Gracie Lou Freebush is named runner-up in the Miss United States pageant, and her close friend and Miss Rhode Island Cheryl (Heather Burns) is crowned the winner.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The franchise grew out of Wong, Shih and Yin’s own experiences competing in and observing Asian beauty pageants and talent contests held across North America and Asia.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Video captured the tense moment when several feet-high floodwaters suddenly burst through the glass doors of an off-campus student home, sending a door panel flying across the room as water rushed inside and inundated the lower level.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Tourists who want to take home a quintessential Bornholm souvenir, or the odd local who needs to replace a broken glass.
    — Mary Holland, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The open-plan, curvilinear design means the galleries are not fully divided, reinforcing the all-encompassing nature of the collection, though altogether the vast array of exhibits sometimes struggle for cohesiveness.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The explosion occurred while the Washoe was racing another steamboat, the Sacramento History Museum, which has an exhibit of remnants of the steamboat, said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • At Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, there are also concerts, exhibitions, and practices open to visitors.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The baseball player, entertainer and social media personality rose to fame with the exhibition barnstorming baseball team, which puts on dance routines, comedy sketches and more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhibition
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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • The Nittany Lions’ new-look passing attack was on full display in their 45-0 win over Marshall.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In Colombia, Rubio will meet hard-line President Abelardo de la Espriella, who is ending peace talks, expanding bombings on armed groups, vowing migrant deportations and facing criticism over civilian deaths and body displays.
    — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • Not everyone is happy that Congress is thinking of regulating the private equity extravaganza.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At the heart was Dollywood, a theme park extravaganza brought to life by Parton in Sevier County, population 100,000.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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