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
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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
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Recent Examples of spectacle
The largest country in Africa is well worth a visit for its striking Mediterranean Coast, the spectacle of the Atlas Mountains, and the grandeur of the Sahara desert.
—
Everett Potter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Belted pleated wool pants, black brogues and round spectacles topped off his look.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
Actually, a few different moods: The eerie mundanity of Twin Peaks, the ravishing neo-noir of Blue Velvet, the twisted romance of Mulholland Drive, the uproarious spectacle of Wild at Heart.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
Photograph: Anton Petrus/Getty Images Hot on the tail of the Quadrantids meteor shower, another spectacle in the sky is about to arrive: comet Atlas C/2024 G3, which will reach perihelion—the point of its orbit closest to the sun—on January 13.
—Marta Musso, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spectacle 
Everett Potter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Belted pleated wool pants, black brogues and round spectacles topped off his look.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
Actually, a few different moods: The eerie mundanity of Twin Peaks, the ravishing neo-noir of Blue Velvet, the twisted romance of Mulholland Drive, the uproarious spectacle of Wild at Heart.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
Photograph: Anton Petrus/Getty Images Hot on the tail of the Quadrantids meteor shower, another spectacle in the sky is about to arrive: comet Atlas C/2024 G3, which will reach perihelion—the point of its orbit closest to the sun—on January 13.
—Marta Musso, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spectacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectacle
Noun
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Moody bested more than 30 other hometown girls in a pageant that judged them on interviews, public speaking, swimsuits and beauty.—
Dan Sullivan,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
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She was crowned Miss Oklahoma six years later and subsequently represented the state in the 1958 Miss America pageant, finishing third, per Edmond Live & Leisure.—
Jack Irvin,
People.com,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Charlotte’s star should commit to the bit and throw it off the glass to himself at least once a game.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
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Choose from just four sweet-toothed desserts: sticky toffee pudding, vanilla creme brûlée, triple chocolate brownie (with sour cherry ice cream), and chocolate hazelnut sundae; or opt for a selection of Cornish cheeses—complete with a glass of 10-year Tawney Port.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The exhibit also provides an intimate look at how the writer struggled with class restrictions during the Regency period.—
Cat Sposato,
AFAR Media,
17 Jan. 2025
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The exhibit features 28 creators, including Asian, Black, Indigenous and Latino artists.—
Tasha Tsiaperas,
Axios,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The work would garner him first prize at the Audubon Artists exhibition in 1946, a recognition that propelled his career.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
20 Jan. 2025
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When innovation flourishes so does a desire for design, as evidenced by the success of the Atlanta Design Festival, which launched in 2007 and brings exhibitions, expert panels, and architecture tours to the community.—
Amelia Mularz,
Architectural Digest,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The new projection package will mean Galaxy’s Edge will have a unique nighttime spectacular every night — regardless of whether Disneyland is blasting off fireworks or not.—
Brady MacDonald,
Orange County Register,
18 Dec. 2024
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The event itself has evolved from its humble beginnings as a motorcycle endurance run into a multi-class spectacular that draws competitors and spectators from across the globe.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes,
22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Speaking of the display, it is used to control pretty much everything.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
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One display highlights the work of Anderson Feijó, assistant curator of mammals at the Field, whose research found that there are five different species of South American pampas cats, rather than only one — a discovery that has prompted several conservation initiatives.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In his time, the low-profile Tangerine Bowl evolved into the Citrus Bowl extravaganza.—
David Whitley,
Orlando Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2025
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Here, Gracey stages an epic, one-take street extravaganza that celebrates Williams’s success.—
Armond White,
National Review,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectacle. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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