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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
The villas, by comparison, are very modern, very clean-lined and flooded with light through extensive glass walls; both have their own kitchen and pool, for guests who want total privacy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
-
This short set pairs ivory glass with dainty gold chrome tips.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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