1
as in parades
a staged presentation often with music that consists of a procession of narrated or enacted scenes
we always put on a Christmas pageant every year
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in exhibits
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event
an annual summertime pageant depicting the town's founding and colorful early history
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of pageants
Exploring the misogyny of beauty pageants and its targeting of transwomen and the ongoing objectification of women, the contestants each called to the stage, presented by a very Vincent Price-seeming host representing the patriarchy.
—
Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The two pageants have suffered a few shakeups in recent years, most notably after the 2023 adult and junior winners, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastav, relinquished their titles.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Despite her accomplishments in the worlds of faith, fashion and pageants, Erika emphasized that her priorities in life included being a wife and mother.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Social media accounts show Snelling, who majors in interdisciplinary disability studies, attended Jefferson County High School in Mississippi and previously competed in beauty pageants.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
As is the case with most pageants, each contestant's platform is an extremely important part of their participation, and at the time, Blankenship opted to advocate for infertility awareness.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The culture of beauty pageants has also changed over the decades, with more of an emphasis now on character and public service than appearance, a trend that overlaps with the Islamic ideal of modesty that encourages women and men to cover up.
—Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The two pageants have suffered a few shakeups in recent years, most notably after the 2023 adult and junior winners, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastav, relinquished their titles.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Despite her accomplishments in the worlds of faith, fashion and pageants, Erika emphasized that her priorities in life included being a wife and mother.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Social media accounts show Snelling, who majors in interdisciplinary disability studies, attended Jefferson County High School in Mississippi and previously competed in beauty pageants.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
As is the case with most pageants, each contestant's platform is an extremely important part of their participation, and at the time, Blankenship opted to advocate for infertility awareness.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The culture of beauty pageants has also changed over the decades, with more of an emphasis now on character and public service than appearance, a trend that overlaps with the Islamic ideal of modesty that encourages women and men to cover up.
—Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pageants
Noun
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The park has welcomed various new parades, shows, decorations, merch and more to commemorate the milestone occasion.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
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The ten day adult party is a true Key West creative explosion, featuring a marathon of parties, parades, handmade costumes, headdresses, street fair food, and tropical island energy.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Its program starts on September 19 and features hands-on exhibits, astronomy events and interactive science demonstrations across multiple downtown venues.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Bowers has featured major exhibits, including Egyptian mummies and China’s Terracotta Warriors.—
Amy Bentley,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The forum offered a full day of programming with panels, fireside chats and presentations featuring leaders from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Statista and UMass Memorial Health.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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To be clear, this isn't a replacement for your desktop monitor or TV, but is instead intended for eye-catching presentations in commercial and public spaces.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Other key exhibitions included in the Lake Como Design Festival itinerary include a tribute to Italian architect and designer Aldo Rossi.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
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The space will host salon-style events and exhibitions, creating a permanent cultural hub.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Visitors can soak in spectacular panoramas from its summit by cable car or by hiking trails such as Lion’s Head and Platteklip Gorge.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
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High points along the rough, fairways, and greens offer dramatic panoramas before the layout moves directly to the water.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Read on for more 2026 Total Eclipse cruises designed to deliver front-row seats to one of Earth's most stunning spectacles.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Sep. 2025
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MrBeast is known for his viral spectacles, engaging challenges and massive giveaways, including millions of dollars in food and supplies for those in need.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Advertisers still crave the broad, simultaneous viewership such extravaganzas generate, and marketers that in the past might not have spent heavily on sports now see new reasons to do so.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Boox have taken the form factor of a smartphone and replaced the high-resolution and power-hungry color displays with an eInk Carta 1200 display.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Historical exhibits and fine-art displays are featured throughout the event.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pageants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pageants. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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