1
: brought from a remote time or place
2
: not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : improbable
a far-fetched story
farfetchedness
ˈfär-ˈfech(t)-nəs
-ˈfe-chəd-nəs How to pronounce far-fetched (audio)
noun

Examples of far-fetched in a Sentence

an exciting thriller, but one with a far-fetched plot that no sensible person could believe
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Headlines about the late pontiff’s deteriorating health had been making the rounds, and anyway, given the criteria for the position, a papal passing is never too far-fetched. J.p. Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 If Trump’s pledge to end the war in a day was far-fetched, the hope to secure a full truce by Easter – this weekend – also looks likely to fail. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025 If that sounds far-fetched, consider that China, Europe, and parts of Asia have all toyed with restricting access for foreign financial institutions in the past. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The prospect of Chinese sabotage on U.S. soil should not seem far-fetched. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for far-fetched

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of far-fetched was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Far-fetched.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/far-fetched. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

far-fetched

adjective
ˈfär-ˈfecht
: not easily or naturally thought of : improbable
gave some far-fetched excuse

More from Merriam-Webster on far-fetched

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