spectacle

noun

ˈspek-ti-kəl How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
Definition of spectaclenext
1
as in pageant
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in glass
spectacles plural 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

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 spectacle This work depends more on patience than on culinary spectacle. — Felipe Riccio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Following Ballroom community leaders, director Sze-Wei Chan captures a movement sustained not by spectacle alone, but by the people who teach, organize, mentor, and show up for one another. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 The frantic search for survivors has long since yielded to the grim spectacle of excavators clearing ruins. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Over the years, however, the actress has proven herself remarkably versatile, pivoting nimbly from frothy rom-coms and broad comedies to searing dramas, psychological thrillers, and big-budget spectacles. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
  1. pageant
  2. glass
  3. exhibit
  4. exhibition
  5. spectacular
  6. display
  7. extravaganza
Noun
  • Former Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse is breaking her silence about losing her title weeks after winning the state pageant.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The victim, identified by relatives as Kiara Darvonne Bowling, is in her early 30s and works as an event planner and competes in pageants.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • The photographer followed her midday meal with a sky-high afternoon tea at Searcys at The Gherkin, which sits beneath a towering glass dome that caps London’s most famous architectural landmarks.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Police said the suspect broke the store's front door glass and display cases during a smash-and-grab burglary.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Created by Professor Antonio Faeti, an author and educator, the museum features exhibits on the role of shoes in fairy tales, travelers in search of discoveries, children who risk getting lost in the forest and more.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This is an exhibit that will feel different every time it is visited.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • This week, Cuba commemorated Castro with events including the International Book Fair, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings of delegates from leftist organizations across the continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • If approved, the legislation would extend exemptions to class cars built between 1976 and 1985 that are used primarily for exhibition purposes and have limited use on public roadways.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibition
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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • In the double-height living room, a monumental polished-stone fireplace anchors the space, while a freestanding cylindrical wine display transforms bottle storage into a sculptural element in the dining area.
    — Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Perseid meteor shower is widely regarded as the Northern Hemisphere's premier shooting star display—but this year, the timing just might be cosmic.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The auctions during Monterey Car Week, the annual extravaganza of classic car auctions, shows, races and awards, are expected to reach $470 million to $500 million, according to Hagerty.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • What started as an idea for a variety show about her life in late 2017 became a bawdy, self-deprecating song-and-dance extravaganza following her arrest that Christmas Eve.
    — Luisa Opalesky, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
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Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

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