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
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Recent Examples of spectacles
These Olympics are a first major test of the spread-out hosting model for global sports spectacles.
—
Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from being a showcase for local marching bands into one of the biggest spectacles in entertainment.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The outdoor stadium setting in Saudi Arabia also promises a visually impressive backdrop for what’s already one of wrestling’s most unpredictable spectacles.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Jan. 2026
On TV, the challenges are kinetic and exciting, flashy spectacles where people hurl their bodies off massive obstacle courses into the churning ocean below.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River showcase some of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, while South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and night drives.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
He’s seated casually, sporting a black V-neck T-shirt, thick black circular spectacles, and a messier version of his signature platinum coif, enjoying his evening pint of vodka-soda.
—Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
And yet, federal immigration actions intensified just this past week across Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove, not as isolated spectacles but as part of federal activity that is rapidly becoming routine in these cities.
—Jody Agius Vallejo, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
For several years now, Netflix has been on the hunt for live sporting events and spectacles to beam to its 325 million global subscribers.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from being a showcase for local marching bands into one of the biggest spectacles in entertainment.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The outdoor stadium setting in Saudi Arabia also promises a visually impressive backdrop for what’s already one of wrestling’s most unpredictable spectacles.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Jan. 2026
On TV, the challenges are kinetic and exciting, flashy spectacles where people hurl their bodies off massive obstacle courses into the churning ocean below.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River showcase some of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, while South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and night drives.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
He’s seated casually, sporting a black V-neck T-shirt, thick black circular spectacles, and a messier version of his signature platinum coif, enjoying his evening pint of vodka-soda.
—Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
And yet, federal immigration actions intensified just this past week across Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove, not as isolated spectacles but as part of federal activity that is rapidly becoming routine in these cities.
—Jody Agius Vallejo, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
For several years now, Netflix has been on the hunt for live sporting events and spectacles to beam to its 325 million global subscribers.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
There is also a selection of 30 draft beer cans for $6 each, $7-$9 glasses of wine and cocktails.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Once made of glass and cherished by parade spectators who were lucky enough to catch them, today cheap plastic beaded necklaces from overseas are tossed from floats by the handful.—
TRAVIS LOLLER,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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