spectacular
Americanadjective
-
of or like a spectacle; marked by or given to an impressive, large-scale display.
-
dramatically daring or thrilling.
a spectacular dive from a cliff.
- Synonyms:
- breathtaking, dramatic, hair-raising
noun
-
a single television production featuring well-known performers and characterized by elaborate sets, costumes, staging, etc.
-
an impressive, large-scale display.
another Hollywood spectacular.
adjective
-
of or resembling a spectacle; impressive, grand, or dramatic
-
unusually marked or great
a spectacular increase in spending
noun
Other Word Forms
- nonspectacular adjective
- nonspectacularly adverb
- spectacularism noun
- spectacularity noun
- spectacularly adverb
- unspectacular adjective
- unspectacularly adverb
Etymology
Origin of spectacular
First recorded in 1675–85; from Latin spectācul(um) ( spectacle ) + -ar 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was such a massive loss that was deeply felt, because of her spectacular career in movies, but the way she looked at the world with curiosity and bemusement.
From Los Angeles Times
But for a rider who won one of the sport's biggest races in spectacular and unexpected fashion last year, it's an even bigger shock.
From BBC
In one spectacular sequence in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, Chambliss scrambled away from a pass rush and flipped a wobbling backhand pass, basketball-style, down the sideline for a key completion.
The fireworks of new year's eve signal spectacular renewal.
From BBC
Instead, the property was described as one of the area’s “most spectacular and beautiful estates,” offering 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms spread across 17,000 square feet.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
