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 Yet behind the spectacle, the biggest symbols of their supposedly limitless riches were a facade to make their lives appear better than reality, according to the brothers’ own lawyers. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Owen’s search for Emily quickly becomes an internet spectacle. — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 Critics hoping to draw large audiences to the Anne television spectacle emphasized its universality. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 These spectacles drew criticism from animal welfare advocates, who sued the farm. — Irus Braverman, The Conversation, 26 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
  • The 18-year-old native from Coffee County, Georgia, became the state's first winner in the national teen pageant and won the cash prize of $25,000.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Judges for this year’s Miss Teen pageant include Kelsey Swanson, who is a current member of the cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, and joins the judging panel this year.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • In addition to modular dorms, there are many large glass buildings in the Dysonplex (as Allure’s former senior writer Brennan Kilbane dubbed it after his own visit six years ago).
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Twins players have banded together and chosen a glass-is-half-full view all season.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • The exhibit’s lessons in anatomy include explanations of bodily functions and why, for example, one lung is larger than the other in humans.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Emails filed as an exhibit in Doe’s case show that a lawyer representing the Syracuse Police Department suggested that Stengel focus his search on that ZIP code.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • On the exhibition side, Digion Cinema will show off an online cinema platform and AR smart glasses built for film viewing.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The vine made its American debut as an exotic plant at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, where it was displayed as part of the Japanese government’s exhibition and first caught the attention of American gardeners.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sure, the city has fantastic architecture, world-class restaurants, Broadway spectaculars, and those oh-so-gorgeous hotels.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • The single-floor, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is free-flowing, allowing for the owner to be creative in their displays.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Yoane Wissa’s encouraging display against Liverpool suggested the DR Congo international is capable of playing as either a No 10 or as a striker, though Nick Woltemade was an unused substitute, raising fresh questions over his future.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • At the heart was Dollywood, a theme park extravaganza brought to life by Parton in Sevier County, population 100,000.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Buss family’s legacy includes pioneering basketball as both a game and a party, a refined beauty and a gaudy extravaganza.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravaganza

Browse Nearby Words

specs
spectacle
spectacles
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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