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
While many bemoan that American fashion shows lack the luster of yesteryear, Malena Belafonte is trying to rejigger the tried-and-true by blending runway looks, live music and circus-like spectacles.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024
Fewer spectacles have inspired American automotive imaginations more than monster trucks.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Las Vegas has always been big on one-off spectacles, from heavyweight fights to stunts to special events, and this remains the case, but the ante has been upped with the growth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), often holding the biggest bouts here, and made for TV pro golf events such as The Match.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and other video-streaming services introduced a new era of media consumption, shifting preferences from reading stories and reflecting on their meaning to indulging in visual spectacles.
—Gerui Wang, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Regardless of the format, Aston Villa’s return to the top seat of European football for the first time in more than four decades would have turned their games into spectacles, but their manager, Unai Emery, has welcomed the accelerated education this version offers.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Catch a Moulin Rouge show The capital of cabaret, and one of the most iconic spectacles in Paris, is the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle, whose symbolic red windmill sits below the hilltop village of Montmartre.
—Lane Nieset, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Around 55 years old at the time, Arthur wears a suit, tie, and round spectacles, and he is being carried away by three helmeted police officers, one holding him under each arm, another under his legs.
—Krista Stevens, Longreads, 4 Dec. 2024
The Triton Million will be one of the spectacles of the year.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024
Fewer spectacles have inspired American automotive imaginations more than monster trucks.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Las Vegas has always been big on one-off spectacles, from heavyweight fights to stunts to special events, and this remains the case, but the ante has been upped with the growth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), often holding the biggest bouts here, and made for TV pro golf events such as The Match.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and other video-streaming services introduced a new era of media consumption, shifting preferences from reading stories and reflecting on their meaning to indulging in visual spectacles.
—Gerui Wang, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Regardless of the format, Aston Villa’s return to the top seat of European football for the first time in more than four decades would have turned their games into spectacles, but their manager, Unai Emery, has welcomed the accelerated education this version offers.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Catch a Moulin Rouge show The capital of cabaret, and one of the most iconic spectacles in Paris, is the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle, whose symbolic red windmill sits below the hilltop village of Montmartre.
—Lane Nieset, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Around 55 years old at the time, Arthur wears a suit, tie, and round spectacles, and he is being carried away by three helmeted police officers, one holding him under each arm, another under his legs.
—Krista Stevens, Longreads, 4 Dec. 2024
The Triton Million will be one of the spectacles of the year.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
Although this modern-day Cinderella leaves behind her cell phone, rather than a glass slipper.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
-
The oversized yoga shala hosts daily activities and events, with stunning sea views and sliding glass doors to unwind to the healing sound of waves.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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