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.
Andy Pages emerged as an unlikely World Series hero last year when he sprinted 121 feet across the outfield to make a spectacular catch and keep the Los Angeles Dodgers alive.
Since Friday night, there have been some spectacular displays as far south as southern England.
From BBC
The international buzz seems to exceed the show’s popularity within France, where “Quotidien” draws good but not spectacular ratings.
They also have a new rival further to the right, Restore UK, founded by one of its own former MPs, Rupert Lowe, who had a spectacular bust-up with the party.
From BBC
Skies across the UK were illuminated in the spectacular colours of the Northern Lights on Friday night.
From BBC
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.
