spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio)
spək-
Synonyms of spectacular
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational
a spectacular display of fireworks
spectacularly adverb

spectacular

2 of 2

noun

: something that is spectacular
especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Synonyms of spectacular

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective a spectacular play in a football game The autumn foliage was spectacular. Noun the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
That’s because even if the tiniest sliver of the sun remains visible, the landscape stays surprisingly bright, the sky never falls into twilight, and the sun’s spectacular corona remains hidden. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The air is rare up here, and the mood is set by some spectacular sea views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
Viewing instructions for Epic Universe theme park’s new nighttime spectacular could well be to look up, down and all around. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 The patriotic spectaculars are part of the team’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacular

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectacular was in 1682

Rhymes for spectacular

See All Rhymes for spectacular

Browse Nearby Words

spectacle stone
spectacular
spectacularism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar
spek-ˈtak-yə-lər, 
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : sensational
a spectacular sunset
spectacularly adverb

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