I. spec ‧ tac ‧ u ‧ lar 1 /spekˈtækjələ, spekˈtækjʊlə $ -ər/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: spectaculum ; ⇨ ↑ spectacle ]
1 . very impressive:
a mountainous area with spectacular scenery
a spectacular success
2 . very sudden, unexpected, or extreme:
The news caused a spectacular fall in the stock market.
—spectacularly adverb
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THESAURUS
▪ impressive used about something that people admire because it is very good, large, important etc:
The cathedral is very impressive.
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The drug has shown some impressive results.
▪ dazzling extremely impressive – used especially when someone does something very well or looks very beautiful:
a dazzling performance
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a dazzling smile
▪ breathtaking extremely impressive – used especially about beautiful views, or the fast speed of something:
The views of the Rocky Mountains are simply breathtaking.
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The economy is growing at a breathtaking pace.
▪ spectacular very impressive and exciting to look at or watch:
a spectacular fireworks display
▪ awe-inspiring so impressive that you feel great respect and admiration, or you feel rather frightened:
Michelangelo’s masterpiece is awe-inspiring.
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The volcano was an awe-inspiring sight.
▪ majestic [usually before noun] very impressive because of being big and beautiful:
the majestic mountain scenery
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a majestic animal
▪ imposing [usually before noun] written used about buildings and people that are large and impressive:
the imposing entrance hall
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The bishop was an imposing figure.
II. spectacular 2 BrE AmE noun [countable]
an event or performance that is very large and impressive:
a television spectacular