spectacular
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.
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.
Origin of spectacular
1Other words for spectacular
Other words from spectacular
- spec·tac·u·lar·i·ty [spek-tak-yuh-lar-i-tee], /spɛkˌtæk yəˈlær ɪ ti/, spec·tac·u·lar·ism, noun
- spec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverb
- non·spec·tac·u·lar, adjective
- non·spec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverb
- un·spec·tac·u·lar, adjective
- un·spec·tac·u·lar·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use spectacular in a sentence
Though he is a spectacular passer, Ball needs plenty of refinement in his game.
NBA draft winners and losers: A win for LaMelo Ball, woe for the Warriors | Ben Golliver | November 19, 2020 | Washington Post“My downfall was so spectacular … jaw-dropping shocking,” she said.
She fell into QAnon and went viral for destroying a Target mask display. Now she’s rebuilding her life. | Travis Andrews | November 11, 2020 | Washington PostAdams emerges from a pool, in a sultry “Baywatch”-esque shot, to announce that the guys will be changing into Speedos and having a “splash ball spectacular,” which means they’ll be playing a form of pool basketball.
‘The Bachelorette’s’ second premiere: New lead Tayshia Adams meets Clare Crawley’s leftovers | Lisa Bonos | November 11, 2020 | Washington PostEach day I’d run around the neighborhood and up through the park, ending with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Simple Dutch Cure for Stress - Facts So Romantic | Alice Fleerackers | October 26, 2020 | NautilusIf the firesale goes through, it would mark one of the more spectacular startup failures since China’s internet boom kicked off a decade ago.
From billion-dollar valuation to bust: Chinese tech unicorn now may be worth just over $1,000 | Brett Haensel | October 22, 2020 | Fortune
With the exception of the Bay of Pigs, the agency has succeeded repeatedly, sometimes spectacularly.
The Taliban plot to silence their young critic had backfired spectacularly.
Malala Yousafzai Is the Youngest Nobel Peace Prize Winner in History | Nico Hines | October 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSo why would conservatives keep giving money to groups that are losing so spectacularly?
Right-Wing PACs' Formula: Lose Races, Rake In the Cash | Patricia Murphy | August 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut I also felt called to sound a note of caution, even at this spectacularly joyful moment.
Fewer can do what Game of Thrones does so well, especially in its slower moments: make them feel spectacularly alive.
Game of Thrones’ Season 4 Premiere ‘Two Swords’: Valyrian Steel, Arya’s Revenge, and the Red Viper | Andrew Romano | April 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe was dressed spectacularly, but his face oozed good-nature, though his eyes were like bright bits of coal.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert ParkerYet here she was, debonnaire and fresh and perfectly appointed—and ah, so terribly neat and spectacularly finessed!
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert ParkerThe Martians had died, too—as surely, though less spectacularly.
The Planet Strappers | Raymond Zinke GallunA few seconds later, Charles's phone spazzed out spectacularly.
Little Brother | Cory DoctorowSince the world began, there had been few battle-fields so spectacularly laid out.
The Siege of Boston | Allen French
British Dictionary definitions for spectacular
/ (spɛkˈtækjʊlə) /
of or resembling a spectacle; impressive, grand, or dramatic
unusually marked or great: a spectacular increase in spending
a lavishly produced performance
Derived forms of spectacular
- spectacularly, 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
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