spectacular

[ spek-tak-yuh-ler ]

/ spɛkˈtæk yə lər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR spectacular ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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.

noun

a single television production featuring well-known performers and characterized by elaborate sets, costumes, staging, etc.Compare special(def 14).

an impressive, large-scale display: another Hollywood spectacular.

Nearby words

Origin of spectacular

1675–85; < Latin spectācul(um) (see spectacle) + -ar¹

SYNONYMS FOR spectacular

2 hair-raising, dramatic, breathtaking.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR spectacular ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

spec·tac·u·lar·i·ty

[spek-tak-yuh-lar-i-tee] /spɛkˌtæk yəˈlær ɪ ti/, spec·tac·u·lar·ism, nounspec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverbnon·spec·tac·u·lar, adjectivenon·spec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverb

un·spec·tac·u·lar, adjectiveun·spec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spectacular

Most of them were large birds—hawks, egrets, and even peacocks—for spectacular visual effect as they took flight.
The Buddhist Business of Poaching Animals for Good Karma|Brendon Hong|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Today, the train chugs north out of Kanchanaburi over the famous bridge before it hits a spectacular bend in the river.
Riding Thailand’s WWII Death Railway|Liza Foreman|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Macallan 18 had long being a personal favorite, one of the first spectacular single malts that I ever had the chance to try.
A Whisky Connoisseur Remembers That First Sip of The Macallan||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But perhaps the most spectacular lot in the sale is a silver jug, a birthday present to Churchill from his War Cabinet in 1942.
Churchill’s Secret Treasures for Sale: A British PM’s Life on the Auction Block|Tom Teodorczuk|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST

And why did the Western Powers lose their grip in such a spectacular fashion in the decade following the end of the war?
How WWI Produced the Holocaust|J.P. O’Malley|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But his gifts flowered at a spectacular climax of national affairs and won thereby spectacular prominence.
The Old Coast Road|Agnes Rothery
Any spectacular irrationality that you may hereafter develop in connection with Miss Westfall, will lead to its disclosure.
Diane of the Green Van|Leona Dalrymple
Wagner had abused Meyerbeer for doing what he did himself—writing operas stuffed with spectacular effects.
Visionaries|James Huneker
The spirit of emulation thrilled all the thrillable workmen, but the riveters were the spectacular favorites.
The Cup of Fury|Rupert Hughes
It is the spectacular which more readily appeals to the Mexican.
Mexico|Charles Reginald Enock

British Dictionary definitions for spectacular

spectacular

/ (spɛkˈtækjʊlə) /

adjective

of or resembling a spectacle; impressive, grand, or dramatic

unusually marked or greata spectacular increase in spending

noun

a lavishly produced performance

Derived Formsspectacularly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for spectacular

spectacular

adj.

1680s, from Latin spectaculum (see spectacle). As a noun, first attested 1890. Related: Spectacularly.

spectacular

adjective

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of spectacular

Examples from the Web for spectacular

British Dictionary definitions for spectacular

spectacular

adjective

noun

Word Origin and History for spectacular

spectacular