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
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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
-
spectacularitynoun
-
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:
At Hampton Court Palace, head gardener Graham Dillamore strode across the burnt beige grass in the spectacular formal gardens southwest of London, laid out in the 17th century.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
The winters are generally mild and autumn foliage is spectacular.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026
That may not be spectacular by U.S. standards, but Europe no longer looks like a zero-growth economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Last week's total solar eclipse offered more than a spectacular view.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026
Each screen could operate independently or as part of a spectacular whole.
From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein
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
Elton John — he of the bedazzled spectacles and dazzling spectaculars — has been “quietly” spending his summer recovering from a “severe eye infection” that has affected his vision.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2024
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
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 Agnes Deans Cameron
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.
