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
-
spectaculars
plural
-
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
Derived Forms
-
spectacularismnoun
-
spectacularitynoun
-
nonspectacularadjective
-
unspectacularadjective
-
nonspectacularlyadverb
-
spectacularlyadverb
-
unspectacularlyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of spectacular
First recorded in 1675–85; from Latin spectācul(um) ( see spectacle) + -ar 1
Explanation
Spectacular is both a noun and an adjective. The noun spectacular refers to a big, beautiful production, like a play or musical performance that has a huge cast and many dance numbers. As an adjective, spectacular has the same quality of being over-the-top, like a spectacular restaurant with excellent food, celebrities at all the table and a gigantic waterfall along one wall. If something is spectacular, it seems like a rare feat, a real stop-and-stare moment. That's why it can also be associated with drama, or making a spectacle or scene, like a spectacular argument you witness out on the street.
Vocabulary lists containing spectacular
"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Workshop 3, Part 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Wow! Synonyms for "Amazing"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
China's Tianwen-1 mission already landed a rover named Zhurong on the surface of Mars in 2021, in one of the most spectacular successes of Beijing's space programme.
From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026
With the completion of its central tower—more than 140 years after the project began—the Barcelona basilica’s spectacular combination of the architect’s unique style and the contributions of subsequent artists is clearer than ever.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
As I stood on a spectacular wraparound balcony on about the 20th floor, looking out on the azure waters of Biscayne Bay beneath me, I did some rough calculations.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026
"But it made us wonder if we were seeing a new kind of 'stellar atmosphere,' but on a spectacular scale."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026
On the drafting board the fair did look spectacular.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
The documents describe how once inside the resort guests will experience "adrenaline-pumping coasters", "mind-blowing spectaculars" and will "come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains".
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2025
Disneyland has awesome nighttime spectaculars, but if you want to spend less time waiting around for a great spot for shows like ”Fantasmic!” and ”World of Color,” watch the second viewing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
In recent years, White was beloved by a generation of people who’ve never experienced broadcast television — or experienced it only through one-off spectaculars such the Super Bowl.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 1, 2022
To prevent visitors from crowding together, the parks are not yet relaunching parades and nighttime spectaculars such as the World of Color water and light show at Disney California Adventure Park.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2021
It is an hour before midnight when we reach one of the two greatest spectaculars of our whole six months' journeying,—the Ramparts.
From The New North by Agnes Deans Cameron
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.
