spectacular

[ spek-tak-yuh-ler ]
See synonyms for: spectacularspectacularsspectacularityspectacularly on Thesaurus.com

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.

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.

Origin of spectacular

1
First recorded in 1675–85; from Latin spectācul(um) (see spectacle) + -ar1

Other 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. 2024

How to use spectacular in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for 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 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