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
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Workshop 3, Part 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Wow! Synonyms for "Amazing"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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:
“The light-filled residence was designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, featuring a spectacular open floor plan,” the description read.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 21, 2026
But the danger is not confined to spectacular floods.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
"Honestly, it's incredible to see F1 in real life. It's my first time, and even just free practice is really spectacular," she says.
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
To his new coach, the spectacular move constituted a cardinal sin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
The outside is even more spectacular than the inside.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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
Disneyland has awesome nighttime spectaculars, but if you want to spend less time waiting around for a great spot for shows like ”Fantasmic!” and ”World of Color,” watch the second viewing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
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
The parades, fireworks, and nighttime spectaculars that are typical of the Disney park experience are still suspended.
From New York Times ● Apr. 29, 2021
Inside, there were just about the same number of last-minute panics and snafus as at most 3-D spectaculars.
From Telempathy by Vance Simonds
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.
