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
For a few minutes, the day will turn to twilight, the sun’s corona will appear, and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles will unfold over a variety of spectacular landscapes.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Despite my declaration to the tourists onboard that the dragons’ goat slaughter spectacles were a bygone thing, an Indonesian government VIP was on the island that day, and to give him a show, the national park staff had brought the goats.
—Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
And then goes and gets spectacles!
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
In an election, Ralph is voted tribal leader, while Jack and his choir boys reluctantly accept the responsibilities of hunting and keeping the fire — ignited with the help of Piggy’s thick spectacles — going.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
In this production, reflective pauses become multimedia spectacles.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
These sports spectacles should be a moment for City Hall to project competence, stability, and seriousness.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
The Captify Pro looks almost like regular spectacles, with simple, thin black plastic frames surrounding rectangular lenses.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Despite my declaration to the tourists onboard that the dragons’ goat slaughter spectacles were a bygone thing, an Indonesian government VIP was on the island that day, and to give him a show, the national park staff had brought the goats.
—Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
And then goes and gets spectacles!
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
In an election, Ralph is voted tribal leader, while Jack and his choir boys reluctantly accept the responsibilities of hunting and keeping the fire — ignited with the help of Piggy’s thick spectacles — going.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
In this production, reflective pauses become multimedia spectacles.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
These sports spectacles should be a moment for City Hall to project competence, stability, and seriousness.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
The Captify Pro looks almost like regular spectacles, with simple, thin black plastic frames surrounding rectangular lenses.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacles
glass
Noun
-
The fitness center had glass walls facing the gym (perhaps to add a bit of workout motivation before donning a swimsuit).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Ouija boards were enshrined in glass cases throughout the room; periodically, a small silver bell tolled without warning, moving as though on its own.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spectacles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacles. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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