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
To keep the money coming in, many of the TV and streaming competitors in the upfront are leaning heavily on sports, hoping that big games and championship spectacles will bring dollars in when scripted favorites face a harder time in doing so.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 June 2026
Compared to some of the spectacles that had played out across New York City for the past two weeks, this was a sedate party.
—Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
At First Presbyterian, his irenic, empathetic sermons became public spectacles.
—Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
And then there were those emblematic, owlish spectacles with rims as large as bicycle wheels.
—Robin Muir, Vogue, 12 June 2026
These three questions draw from Jonathan Lemire’s recent story about presidential spectacles.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Close races become national spectacles.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Whether Washington's political class loves it or hates it, the White House lawn is about to host one of the wildest sports spectacles in American history.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
On Tuesday, rodeo lovers and animal welfare advocates descended on downtown Los Angeles to argue for and against a draft ordinance that would ban the hooved spectacles within the city.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 June 2026
Compared to some of the spectacles that had played out across New York City for the past two weeks, this was a sedate party.
—Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
At First Presbyterian, his irenic, empathetic sermons became public spectacles.
—Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
And then there were those emblematic, owlish spectacles with rims as large as bicycle wheels.
—Robin Muir, Vogue, 12 June 2026
These three questions draw from Jonathan Lemire’s recent story about presidential spectacles.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Close races become national spectacles.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Whether Washington's political class loves it or hates it, the White House lawn is about to host one of the wildest sports spectacles in American history.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
On Tuesday, rodeo lovers and animal welfare advocates descended on downtown Los Angeles to argue for and against a draft ordinance that would ban the hooved spectacles within the city.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
Remy Loet, the restaurant's sommelier, sets out wine glasses on a table before the start of dinner service at Aria on June 5, 2026.—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
16 June 2026
-
My regular waiter, Ryan, always had a glass of orange juice waiting for me at breakfast; my cabin attendant Sabrine kept my fridge stocked with sparkling water; and bartender Dennis always had my cocktail ready to go for me following dinner.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
