as in glass
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
Relevance
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 spectacles
Beyond manufacturing, The Yard includes a design studio, a bespoke consultation room for custom frame commissions, a training academy for opticians and makers, and a growing archive of historic spectacles spanning more than two centuries.
—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
According to Blair, originality, practical filmmaking and emerging voices matter more than franchises and giant visual effects spectacles.
—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
An early furor over accepting valuable gifts, including designer spectacles and Taylor Swift concert tickets, was followed by a series of policy U-turns, especially clumsy attempts to cut welfare spending that stirred anger in Labour ranks.
—
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Every year, millions of fruit bats descend on a remote Zambian national park in one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles.
—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
22 June 2026
Given the occasion and what was at stake, extra time — and in particular the last five minutes of it — must surely be considered among the most exciting spectacles sport has ever produced.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
These movies are wildly popular spectacles, even if the plots are a little thin.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
19 June 2026
Trump credited Caporale with producing some of his 2024 campaign’s biggest spectacles, including his Madison Square Garden rally and McDonalds stunt.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Throughout history, rulers and political movements have used public spectacles of combat to evoke courage, sacrifice, collective strength and national purpose.
—
Scott Atran,
The Conversation,
17 June 2026
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
25 June 2026
According to Blair, originality, practical filmmaking and emerging voices matter more than franchises and giant visual effects spectacles.
—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
An early furor over accepting valuable gifts, including designer spectacles and Taylor Swift concert tickets, was followed by a series of policy U-turns, especially clumsy attempts to cut welfare spending that stirred anger in Labour ranks.
—
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Every year, millions of fruit bats descend on a remote Zambian national park in one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles.
—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
22 June 2026
Given the occasion and what was at stake, extra time — and in particular the last five minutes of it — must surely be considered among the most exciting spectacles sport has ever produced.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
These movies are wildly popular spectacles, even if the plots are a little thin.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
19 June 2026
Trump credited Caporale with producing some of his 2024 campaign’s biggest spectacles, including his Madison Square Garden rally and McDonalds stunt.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Throughout history, rulers and political movements have used public spectacles of combat to evoke courage, sacrifice, collective strength and national purpose.
—
Scott Atran,
The Conversation,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
Start with a tidy desk and a glass of water, then batch related tasks so your focus stays strong through the afternoon.
-
The structural glazing is cleverly integrated into the hull and superstructure, with each pane of glass uniquely shaped and tinted to blend seamlessly with the steel and aluminum.
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
