spectacular
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for spectacular, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Extremely impressive or striking to watch.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use spectacular
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin spectaculum, "a show or sight," from specio, "to look at."
Full origin of spectacular →Frequently asked questions
What does “spectacular” mean?
The word “spectacular” means extremely impressive or striking to watch. In plain terms, amazing to look at or witness, or (as a noun) a big showy event.
How do you pronounce “spectacular”?
“Spectacular” is pronounced spehk-TAK-yuu-luh (/spɛkˈtæk.jə.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spectacular” in a sentence?
Here is “spectacular” used in a sentence: “The fireworks display was absolutely spectacular.”
What part of speech is “spectacular”?
Depending on how it is used, “spectacular” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “spectacular” come from?
The word “spectacular” comes from Latin. From Latin spectaculum, "a show or sight," from specio, "to look at.".
Is “spectacular” a common word?
“Spectacular” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “spectacular” have?
“Spectacular” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely impressive or striking to watch.
What is the difference between spectacular and spectacle?
Spectacular is mainly an adjective meaning extremely impressive or striking to watch, while spectacle is a noun for a visually striking sight or show. Spectacle can also carry a negative sense, as in "making a spectacle of yourself," meaning attracting embarrassing attention. Spectacular can be a noun too, but only for a large, lavish show.
Can spectacular describe something bad?
Yes. Spectacular describes anything dramatic and striking to watch, so English speakers talk about a "spectacular failure" or a "spectacular collapse," meaning the failure was extreme and attention-grabbing. The word signals scale and drama rather than approval, although on its own it usually implies something impressive in a positive way.
What is the difference between spectacular and stunning?
Both describe things that impress, but spectacular emphasizes drama and scale — something remarkable to watch, like fireworks or a mountain vista — while stunning emphasizes the effect on the viewer: so beautiful or surprising that it almost stuns you. A quiet portrait can be stunning, but it would rarely be called spectacular.
What is a TV spectacular?
As a noun, a spectacular is a large, elaborate, and impressive show or event, and a TV spectacular is a big one-off television production, often built around music, dance, and special effects. This noun use grew out of the adjective and is most common in entertainment contexts.