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 But there have been plenty of other small nations either providing shocks or bringing joy to the masses that make the World Cup the greatest spectacle in sports. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 McGregor has floated big-money boxing and bareknuckle spectacles, and recently claimed Terence Crawford turned down a nine-figure two-fight deal to face him. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The president blended patriotic spectacle with campaign-style politics, reshaping a civic milestone around his leadership and worldview. — Natalie Allison, Washington Post, 4 July 2026 Unfortunately for observers in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and many other locations, much of the spectacle unfolded before moonrise. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 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 2026 festival included live entertainment, dozens of vendors, public health services, a scavenger hunt, a cultural parade, a beauty pageant and a live performance by the musical artist Common.
    — Jack Harvel July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • This Fourth of July, the pageant will be loud.
    — Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • Like its existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley smart glasses lines, the new designs are developed with EssilorLuxxottica — the group that also owns Prada eyewear, rumored to be Meta’s next collaborator.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 7 July 2026
  • Those included a charmingly cluttered Bucket family home, a lush candyland with the smell of chocolate piped through the Royal Theater to complement the full-size mock chocolate river, and a glass elevator that flew above the audience.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Nineteen cannons discovered at the bottom of the Savannah River were unveiled Thursday as a part of a new exhibit at the Savannah History Museum.
    — Amy Galo, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Public spaces present exhibits that immerse you in the nostalgia of the Golden Age of air travel.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • The institution has grown into one of the region’s premier history museums, featuring historic homes, gardens, archives and exhibitions.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • The exhibition also included a retrospective display of eight landmark creations released over the brand’s three decades, highlighting the evolution of Roberto Coin's design language.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of exhibition
Noun
  • In what is being compared to a Super Bowl spectacular, the performances are set to be broadcast live to millions of soccer fans.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 June 2026
  • Last summer, Atlanta announced an ambitious plan to end encampments and other street sleeping downtown ahead of the 39-day soccer spectacular that begins June 11.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Definition of spectacular
Noun
  • More than 96,000 Hyundai Tucson small SUVs are being recalled because of a software error that can temporarily prevent critical information from appearing on the vehicle's display, increasing the risk of a crash.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Everything about Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos's coupling has been a display of more is more.
    — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026
Definition of display
Noun
  • The three-day-long extravaganza is estimated to have cost $46 million to $56 million – rivaling Charles and Diana for the most expensive wedding on this list.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rancho Cordova’s two-day extravaganza kicks off Friday, with a slew of fair-style activities throughout the evening.
    — Camila Pedrosa July 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spectacle

Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish Speakers

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