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
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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
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of or resembling a spectacle; impressive, grand, or dramatic
-
unusually marked or great
a spectacular increase in spending
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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spectacularismnoun
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spectacularitynoun
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nonspectacularadjective
-
unspectacularadjective
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nonspectacularlyadverb
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spectacularlyadverb
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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
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Workshop 3, Part 2
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Wow! Synonyms for "Amazing"
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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 soccer spectacular concludes with a mild snoozer in the Meadowlands, but this epic tournament will be hard to forget.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
He made an impact at the tournament with a spectacular strike after coming on as a substitute in Senegal's 5-0 win against Iraq.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
Great Britain's Josh Kerr smashed the long-standing men's mile world record with a spectacular performance at the London Diamond League.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026
La Roja, with the sixth-youngest roster in the World Cup, got to the final on the strength of spectacular defense led by Unai Simón, who has six clean sheets in seven games.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
“Now imagine one coming down to fly right next to you to show you the next spectacular thing that’s going to come into your life.”
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
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
It is an hour before midnight when we reach one of the two greatest spectaculars of our whole six months' journeying,—the Ramparts.
From The New North by Cameron, Agnes Deans
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.
