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 upcoming ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first of its kind in five years, is one of North Korea’s biggest propaganda spectacles and is intended to review past projects, establish new political and economic priorities and reshuffle officials.
—
CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
With nominations spanning political dramas, creature features, sports spectacles and intimate character studies, this year’s Oscar nominations promise one of the most eclectic and competitive fields.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026
Put on the costume, wear the expression, slip on the spectacles, and present yourself as erudite.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
For years, Tyler’s concerts had been spectacles, and the pyro-laden Chromakopia was no different.
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2026
Most natural spectacles require packing a bag and logging miles in pursuit, but the meteor showers set to light up the night in 2026 demand little more than patience, an open dark sky, and a comfortable chair.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
The spectacles in Tianjin and Washington dramatize a world in which major powers increasingly rely on public theatre, transactional bargains, and the symbolism of court-like diplomacy to project hierarchy and distribute favor.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
From canonical classics to new musicals, and soaring spectacles to underground reinventions, here are 11 theater productions to check out in 2026.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
After all, the films that benefit the most from PLF ticket sales have been Hollywood's biggest releases, as audiences want to see explosive action movies and dazzling spectacles in the most state-of-the-art locations.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
With nominations spanning political dramas, creature features, sports spectacles and intimate character studies, this year’s Oscar nominations promise one of the most eclectic and competitive fields.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026
Put on the costume, wear the expression, slip on the spectacles, and present yourself as erudite.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
For years, Tyler’s concerts had been spectacles, and the pyro-laden Chromakopia was no different.
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2026
Most natural spectacles require packing a bag and logging miles in pursuit, but the meteor showers set to light up the night in 2026 demand little more than patience, an open dark sky, and a comfortable chair.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
The spectacles in Tianjin and Washington dramatize a world in which major powers increasingly rely on public theatre, transactional bargains, and the symbolism of court-like diplomacy to project hierarchy and distribute favor.
—Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
From canonical classics to new musicals, and soaring spectacles to underground reinventions, here are 11 theater productions to check out in 2026.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
After all, the films that benefit the most from PLF ticket sales have been Hollywood's biggest releases, as audiences want to see explosive action movies and dazzling spectacles in the most state-of-the-art locations.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
Simply choose the right size for your meal, place the glass bowl in the air fryer, and start cooking with the push of a button.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
To McDermott, wearing glasses would be a reminder that more sand might be in the bottom of his hourglass than the top.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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