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
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
It’s become largely focussed on creating spectacles, such as the No Kings protests, that can mobilize large numbers of people at breakneck speed to march, sign petitions, and contribute money.
—Charles Duhigg, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
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
It’s become largely focussed on creating spectacles, such as the No Kings protests, that can mobilize large numbers of people at breakneck speed to march, sign petitions, and contribute money.
—Charles Duhigg, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
Strolling past glass display cases of fossils and earthenware artifacts, my eyes landed on a rack by the main entrance with flyers advertising children’s events and local flea markets.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The auction house leaves behind its more cloistered Madison Avenue home for airy galleries in an 80-foot glass atrium, as well as an opulent neoclassical rotunda in the historic Steinway Hall.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
