Spectacle

/ˈspɛktəkl̩/ · noun

Meaning

An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.
2. An embarrassing or unedifying scene or situation.
3. Attributive form of spectacles.
4. The brille of a snake.
5. (rail transport) A frame with different coloured lenses on a semaphore signal through which light from a lamp shines at night, often a part of the signal arm.

Example Sentences

The horse race was a thrilling spectacle.

22 March 2012, Scott Tobias, AV Club The Hunger Gameshttp://www.avclub.com/articles/the-hunger-games,71293/ In movie terms, it suggests Paul Verhoeven in Robocop/Starship Troopers mode, an R-rated bloodbath where the grim spectacle of children murdering each other on television is bread-and-circuses for the age of reality TV, enforced by a totalitarian regime to keep the masses at bay.

VVith ſcoffes and ſcornes, and contumelious taunts, / In open Market-place produc't they me, / To be a publique ſpectacle to all: / Here, ſayd they, is the Terror of the French, / The Scar-Crovv that affrights our Children ſo.

He made a spectacle out of himself.

Some very interesting relics of Adam and Eve were shown us, that were brought from America; such as a fine-tooth comb, made of thorns, a part of a pair of leather spectacle frames, without glasses, a boot jack made of ebony, and a set of pawpaws of props, with the backs filled with a hard substance, resembling lava.

Synonyms for spectacle

Antonyms for spectacle

Related Words

Word Forms

• spectacles

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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