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 McCartney’s fall 2026 show was an ode to the horse and a majestic spectacle that took place in the arena at Société Equestrienne de Paris. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 On this night, their fantastic rock spectacle went even further with new narrative twists and other fun surprises. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 Then, on one unsuspecting evening in October, Kylie Jenner revived the spectacle in the most expensive Fantasy Bra to date. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2026 Especially during Holy Week, their balconies promise to provide guests with endless iconic views of the spectacle. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 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
  • They’re then forced to compete in a beauty pageant, wearing lingerie and swimsuits, which Galán considers to be the ultimate motivator.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Desperate to regain her dominance while dazzling pageant recruiter Eloise Amponsah (Tony Award winner Patina Miller), who was Miss Ghana 1966, Paulina launches a campaign to crush Ericka’s spirit and dash her chances in the spotlight.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Meta also plans to add it to Ray-Ban smart glasses and sell devices, such as a Tamagotchi-style device called Muse Charm and another device for connecting home devices.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The redesign features limestone, natural stone, wood and onyx, along with a glass facade inspired by the Pacific Ocean.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Major museums, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais — where a major Cézanne exhibit is on display — were shuttered Saturday.
    — Richard Engel, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibition celebrates these workers, many of them immigrants, through exhibits like the photographs of Robert Doisneau, who worked for Renault full-time from 1934 to 1939.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The exhibition highlights how trade routes connected the Arabian Gulf, East Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia through the exchange of spices, pearls, textiles, jewelry, and religious beliefs.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The property has partnered with Villa del Arte, an international contemporary gallery, to create an exhibition program that extends from a dedicated indoor space into the gardens and terraces.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • Throughout the performance, Seth Rogen, Andrew Watt and Sombr made cameos before the two-song spectacular came to an end.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • The counter under the sushi display coolers has exposed wood.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Edge builds on the Air by adding a display and standalone GPS for phone-free pace and route tracking.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The result is a content-generating extravaganza that veers deeper into runway show territory than low-key industry appointment.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, because the 100th anniversary special won’t be duplicated, like an annual awards program, or last for weeks, like a soccer tournament, advertisers likely feel assured their backing of the extravaganza will get noticed.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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