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.
Rather than the claimed irrevocable goodbye to Epstein, as the year ended Andrew sent an optimistic message: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and spectacular entry into 2011."
From BBC
And unlike the spectacular slide in the yen, Bitcoin’s relentless plunge won’t be affected by government intervention.
From Barron's
Twelve of the world's top snowboarders will be showing off their tricks in one of the most spectacular sports on the Winter Olympic programme.
From BBC
We got off in Jasper, the Yellowstone of Canada, filled with glaciers, craggy mountains, waterfalls, rivers and spectacular vistas.
From Los Angeles Times
Silver is staging a spectacular recovery, leaving behind gold, stocks, Treasuries, and Bitcoin.
From Barron's
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.
