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
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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
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Workshop 3, Part 2
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Wow! Synonyms for "Amazing"
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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:
Their vague sense of discontent makes potentially fertile ground for the seeds of spectacular success Nick is soon planting in their minds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
The views were spectacular, if you had the guts to swerve your eyes from the white-knuckling road.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
The unraveling of the Situational Awareness hedge fund has inspired comparisons with Long-Term Capital Management, a legendary hedge fund that failed in spectacular fashion in 1998.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026
"Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!"
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Deane, despite his lack of training, managed to set up the most spectacular sabotage operation of the Revolutionary War.
From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen
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
The giant wiener was created by Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw, married Brooklyn artists whose métier is often interactive, food-based spectaculars that also question the lore — and lure — of Americana.
From New York Times ● May 7, 2024
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
Twain’s residency is in the Zappos Theater, Planet Hollywood and is one of scores of pop spectaculars in Vegas in the past few years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2020
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 Cameron, Agnes Deans
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.
