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 The spectacle could undermine the very authority it was meant to affirm. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 And what about films not designed around formulas, stars, spectacle, awards and profit? — Sam Fleischner, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Joe Raedle / Getty Images Willingham doesn't like the thought of Hasan's execution becoming a spectacle. — Meagan Harris, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Monday night’s childish spectacle saw Jackson marching into the midfield, losing his cool, and throwing a bare-knuckle punch at Chubb. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 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
  • Visitors arriving for a Monday morning visit found the iconic glass pyramid, as well as the Carrousel du Louvre and Passage Richelieu entrances, barricaded by protesters from the École du Louvre, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Louvre was closed Monday due to about 50 protesting arts and culture students, who blocked its glass pyramid entrance, reported Le Figaro.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of glass
Noun
  • Temporary exhibits have ranged from a look at American paintings in the 1930s to French art critic Guillaume Apollinaire.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibit was recognition of Cole's success attracting younger fans who enjoy such shenanigans as a pitcher throwing the ball while on stilts and outs being counted when a fan catches a foul ball in the stands.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhibit
Noun
  • Adebayo and most of the Heat’s rotation regulars were held out of Saturday’s exhibition against the Timberwolves before Adebayo sat out Wednesday’s preseason game due to his groin ailment.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The exhibition layout, conceived by French designer Pascal Rodriguez, unfolds across four successive spaces, separated by partition walls pierced by large circular openings at their centers.
    — Sarah Belmont for ArtNews, Robb Report, 14 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
  • Social media adds its own momentum, with shoppers sharing seasonal store displays, decorating ideas and new Halloween collections.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Special exhibits highlight pieces from the museum’s collection that aren’t on permanent display, as well as loaners from elsewhere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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