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
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Recent Examples of spectacles
So far, 2026 has offered up some celestial spectacles, including a total lunar eclipse and a planetary parade.
—
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
Rather than focusing on the shiny diversions of loud spectacles, Americans might take a few moments this year to explore the parallels between our current condition and the detailed indictment of particulars that Thomas Jefferson laid out against the king of England in 1776.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
On state television, Khamenei projected an avuncular demeanor, his spectacles framing a sharp gaze.
—Karl Vick, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
Mike Johnson had his little beige tie and his spectacles and his flag pin and his salt-and-pepper hair, neatly in place, and his pink Kewpie-doll cheeks, and he was just thrilled to be visited by the president.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
With folkloric sounds as the backdrop and elaborate costumes worn by the performers, the spectacles tell the story of Andalucían history.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Far from merely giving orders, directors are participants in a social reality in which the most important results aren’t the naked-eye ones of deeds achieved but the magic infinitesimal moments that expand into big-screen spectacles.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
All of us are under the collective spell cast by one of the most fleeting spectacles within the National Park Service.
—Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
The man, named Bawrgiyo Jaw, is possessed of a tremendous mandible, and the black tips of his spectacles loop over the tops of ears that enclose a full head of black hair.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
Rather than focusing on the shiny diversions of loud spectacles, Americans might take a few moments this year to explore the parallels between our current condition and the detailed indictment of particulars that Thomas Jefferson laid out against the king of England in 1776.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
On state television, Khamenei projected an avuncular demeanor, his spectacles framing a sharp gaze.
—Karl Vick, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
Mike Johnson had his little beige tie and his spectacles and his flag pin and his salt-and-pepper hair, neatly in place, and his pink Kewpie-doll cheeks, and he was just thrilled to be visited by the president.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
With folkloric sounds as the backdrop and elaborate costumes worn by the performers, the spectacles tell the story of Andalucían history.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Far from merely giving orders, directors are participants in a social reality in which the most important results aren’t the naked-eye ones of deeds achieved but the magic infinitesimal moments that expand into big-screen spectacles.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
All of us are under the collective spell cast by one of the most fleeting spectacles within the National Park Service.
—Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
The man, named Bawrgiyo Jaw, is possessed of a tremendous mandible, and the black tips of his spectacles loop over the tops of ears that enclose a full head of black hair.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
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From the guest's POV, drinking water is provided in reusable glass bottles, with water refilling stations across the property, and restaurant ingredients are sourced from the nearby partner South Farm and local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint and support the community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
While most missing items are typical things that people travel with like cellphones, backpacks and glasses, Diaz said there have been a number of unique items turned in, including a prosthetic leg, musical instruments, 55-inch-screen TVs and large generators.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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