spectacular 1 of 2

Definition of spectacularnext
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spectacular

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noun

as in exhibit
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spectacular
Adjective
That included Prosper Walnut Grove running back Cam Newton, Prosper wide receiver Lathon Latiolais and Melissa quarterback Brett Holloway, who all had spectacular senior seasons. Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 The pair rank first and third respectively in the Big East in scoring, and both have been spectacular in UConn’s biggest matchups at both ends of the floor. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
The ring formed was from the pyrotechnics resort employees use during Disneyland’s nighttime spectaculars. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 Hosted by drag superstars Dusty Ray Bottoms and May O’Nays, this cabaret-meets-musical-theatre spectacular brings together local legends, touring talent, and rising youth performers for an unforgettable staging of sequins, show tunes, and slaying. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacular
Adjective
  • For the 2026 reimagining, Fennell worked with costume designer Jacqueline Durran to create dozens of costumes (Cathy alone, played by Margot Robbie, had 50) that were heavily inspired by the extravagant, unselfconscious and campy outfits of the mid-century.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • One-upmanship, extravagant architectural plans, and a comparatively short construction schedule result in big bills, which are often not reflected in the original bids.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Humans have always made incredible sacrifices for ambition.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
  • There’s also some incredible concert footage to boot.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The order also says officials must continue to properly maintain the site, including the grounds, video monitors, recordings and exhibits.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The artist’s sister, Tina Banas, said the exhibit was spectacular.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For here was a gay man doomed by his failure to recognize that the courtroom was a different kind of stage, one where flamboyant insouciance would bring disaster rather than applause.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The three-minute vlog saw her shopping for food while wearing a flamboyant black-and-white feather top.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But the fundraising efforts have been an extraordinary example of the community that continues to exist, Frenkel said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The Poster House show is founded on the private collection of Michael Lellouche, who, in his introduction to the accompanying book, points out an extraordinary symbiosis.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Miss Intercontinental 2025 pageant, which seeks the most beautiful woman from all continents, was supposed to take place last year but was postponed to January 2026 for logistical reasons.
    Sarah Moreno February 6, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Another beauty pageant, Miss Arizona USA, has not seen a winner from the 48th state but multiple runner-ups for the top honor.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The performance is deliberately showy, and some voters may feel the virtuosity outweighs emotional revelation.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Whatever showy gigantism the Kennedy Center was burdened with at the start, there will almost surely be more of it after he’s done.
    Christopher Robbins, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And choice cuts from the game’s phenomenal soundtrack wound up in later installments as well, so newcomers could experience the sheer bewilderment upon hearing it for the first time.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Brian Griese was a phenomenal coach and continued to develop him.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacular. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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