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. Compare special ( def 14 ).
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

Derived Forms

• specˈtacularly, adverb

Other Words From

• spec·tac·u·lar·i·ty [spek-tak-y, uh, -, lar, -i-tee], 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectacular¹

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

Example Sentences

A “spectacular evening” followed which ended with pipers marching around the dinner table, according to the British ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, on Instagram.

From BBC

Australia arrive in Cardiff on the back of a spectacular 42-37 success against England and have won nine times from their last 11 visits to the Welsh capital.

From BBC

Revivals don’t come along all that often, so don’t pass up this opportunity to see this spectacular production.

From Los Angeles Times

His claim that “everyone” wanted this all along is, by itself, spectacular gaslighting, as is his claim that women have nothing to worry about.

From Salon

Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro were decent in central midfield without being spectacular against a Leicester side their manager Steve Cooper admitted had not been good enough in both boxes.

From BBC

Related Words

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