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
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—
Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Salopettes and ski helmets make frequent appearances, along with couples in thick, round spectacles who might be architects—and nearby resident Norman Foster, who most certainly is.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
If your unable to view comet C/2025 R3, sky watchers can prepare for two cosmic spectacles this spring.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
An online amalgam of conspicuous consumption, natural wonders, and manmade spectacles — like the world’s tallest tower, Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, and even, yes, the vivid green of Dubai Chocolate — has propelled the emirates to superlative measures of tourism and consumer behavior.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Election is a ruthless, high-wire satire with its skeptical spectacles trained on authority itself.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
Commissions have changed over the years, allowing modern visionaries — art houses and creatives from across the globe — to showcase grand spectacles.
—Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Ancient Roman gladiatorial games weren’t restricted to brutal spectacles between male pit warriors.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
Trump supporters say the protests are spectacles of no real consequence.
—Staff and Wire Reports, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Salopettes and ski helmets make frequent appearances, along with couples in thick, round spectacles who might be architects—and nearby resident Norman Foster, who most certainly is.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
If your unable to view comet C/2025 R3, sky watchers can prepare for two cosmic spectacles this spring.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
An online amalgam of conspicuous consumption, natural wonders, and manmade spectacles — like the world’s tallest tower, Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, and even, yes, the vivid green of Dubai Chocolate — has propelled the emirates to superlative measures of tourism and consumer behavior.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Election is a ruthless, high-wire satire with its skeptical spectacles trained on authority itself.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
Commissions have changed over the years, allowing modern visionaries — art houses and creatives from across the globe — to showcase grand spectacles.
—Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Ancient Roman gladiatorial games weren’t restricted to brutal spectacles between male pit warriors.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026
Trump supporters say the protests are spectacles of no real consequence.
—Staff and Wire Reports, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
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Simmons owns all of them, using the small ones for wine and the medium ones as everyday glasses.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
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Refilling your hummingbird feeder with Perky-Pet is as easy as pouring yourself a glass of water.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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