spectacular

[spek-tak-yuh-ler]

adjective

1. of or like a spectacle; marked by or given to an impressive, large-scale display.

2. dramatically daring or thrilling.

   a spectacular dive from a cliff.

   Synonyms: breathtaking, dramatic, hair-raising

noun

1. a single television production featuring well-known performers and characterized by elaborate sets, costumes, staging, etc.

2. an impressive, large-scale display.

   another Hollywood spectacular.

spectacular

/ spɛkˈtækjʊlə /

adjective

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

2. unusually marked or great

   a spectacular increase in spending

noun

1. a lavishly produced performance

Other Word Forms

• spectacularity noun
• spectacularism noun
• spectacularly adverb
• nonspectacular adjective
• nonspectacularly adverb
• unspectacular adjective
• unspectacularly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectacular¹

First recorded in 1675–85; from Latin spectācul(um) ( spectacle ) + -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Australia need 205 to win the first Ashes Test following another spectacular England collapse on the second day in Perth.

Read more on BBC

The catalog’s full-page reproductions, in spectacular colors or crepuscular monochromes, are frequently transporting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The action spectacular of the year stars a 66-year-old man in a speeding truck.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The finale of “Wicked” was the most spectacular musical production number put on film this century.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The All-Stars do their brash, spectacular thing, and a lot of that is wailing away, although they could also be mysterious.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amazing 
• astonishing 
• astounding 
• breathtaking 
• daring 
• dazzling 
• dramatic 
• eye-catching 
• fabulous 
• fantastic 
• grand 
• magnificent 
• marvelous 
• miraculous 
• remarkable 
• sensational 
• splendid 
• striking 
• stunning 
• thrilling