1 spectacular | Definition of spectacular

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar | \ spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio) , spək-\

Definition of spectacular

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational a spectacular display of fireworks

spectacular

noun

Definition of spectacular (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that is spectacular especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

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Other Words from spectacular

Adjective

spectacularly adverb

Synonyms for spectacular

Synonyms: Noun

circus, extravaganza, pageant, raree-show, spectacle

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Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective

a spectacular play in a football game The autumn foliage was spectacular.

Noun

the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The drive up the southeastern coast is spectacular in any weather, but don’t be in a hurry. Juliet Pennington, BostonGlobe.com, "The VIP Lounge with singer-songwriter Jonathan Edwards," 3 Sep. 2019 Matthew Lopez and his husband, Brandon Clarke, a private-school administrator, live in a spectacular penthouse residence atop a new luxury building in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, "How Matthew Lopez Transformed “Howards End” Into an Epic Play About Gay Life," 2 Sep. 2019 There are dozens of spectacular hikes in the park for visitors of all abilities. Justin Franz, The Know, "Have Glacier National Park to yourself," 1 Sep. 2019 So, every role is spectacular to have, but this was something that had real depth to it and emotion. Nick Talbot, ExpressNews.com, "Retired WWE superstar and San Antonio native Shawn Michaels enjoying new roles in film, NXT," 1 Aug. 2019 The Americans still won 3-0 – and would have scored six or seven more had Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler not been downright spectacular, a performance that will be hard for any goalkeeper to top the rest of the tournament. Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, "Opinion: U.S. women called a lot of things at World Cup, but slackers won't be one of them," 17 June 2019 This year’s event may not be quite that spectacular, because lunar glare will be intense on Aug. 12 and 13, when the spectacle peaks. Lila Maclellan, Quartz, "The Perseids have arrived. Here’s how to enjoy the year’s best meteor shower," 3 Aug. 2019 The setting is also spectacular: Jolie's Cambodian home, the description also reveals. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, "Watch Angelina Jolie's sexy new perfume commercial," 2 Aug. 2019 John Obi Mikel was frequently a target for ridicule during his time with Chelsea, but the Nigerian midfielder, while not spectacular, was certainly efficient. SI.com, "50 Greatest African Players of All Time," 22 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Ever since its debut in 1924, the holiday event has evolved from a two-block procession of circus animals into what is easily our favorite over-the-top spectacular of the year (take that, Super Bowl Halftime Show). Caitlin Morton, CondĂ© Nast Traveler, "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 2018 Information and Event History," 21 Nov. 2018 This account of the HQ2 bidding spectacular is based on interviews with dozens of city and state officials, developers and people familiar with the company’s thinking. Shayndi Raice, WSJ, "How Amazon Picked HQ2 and Jilted 236 Cities," 14 Nov. 2018 The show, which concludes on May 26, is the latest edition of Disney’s live-to-film spectaculars, following The Little Mermaid and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, "'Beauty and the Beast' in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl: 8 Animated Highlights," 26 May 2018 Unfortunately, until those critical funds and resources come through, the hit Broadway spectacular will have to suffice. Michael Andor Brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "The Weekender: A marathon pre-Marathon weekend," 12 Apr. 2018 That might make Washington more skeptical of the freewheeling, unscripted headline grabbing reality-show style television spectaculars that Trump seems to relish -- but have now twice been proven not to shape policy. Stephen Collinson, CNN, "Trump not so tough on guns," 12 Mar. 2018 If your area isn’t a risk for wildfires, check out our recommendations on where to catch the best firework spectaculars in the West. Marie Salcido, Sunset, "Will Drones Replace Your Fourth of July Fireworks?," 22 Jan. 2018 More: Jack-O-Lantern spectacular: What to expect at this year's Halloween must-see event More: Beauty with a dash of spooky. Bailey Loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back. Here's how to get in free," 16 Oct. 2017 Browned butter and fresh lemon juice complete the scene, and all of a sudden, one Technicolor spectacular of a culinary moment is born. Alex Hitz, House Beautiful, "Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter from Alex Hitz," 1 Nov. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectacular.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of spectacular

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for spectacular

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

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More Definitions for spectacular

spectacular

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of spectacular

: causing wonder and admiration : very impressive

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar | \ spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio) \

Kids Definition of spectacular

: striking, showy a spectacular sunset

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