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

If bacteriophages are so spectacular, why weren’t they adopted in the U.S. and many other Western nations?

From Salon

Andrew Friedman did such a spectacular job in shaping such a special team, it would verge on heartbreaking if he allows some of their important free-agent pieces to go their separate ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Now the park is used by locals to enjoy their retirement after spending decades contributing to China’s spectacular growth.

From BBC

Shipyard workers hammered away the last supporting "shores" and wedges, then ducked and dashed for cover as the huge vessel slid above their heads in a spectacular sideways launch into the River Ouse.

From BBC

On occasions, usually once every 33 years, the Leonids can produce a spectacular storm rather than a shower with thousands of meteors per hour.

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