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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fantastic different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and grotesque are common synonyms of fantastic. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When is it sensible to use bizarre instead of fantastic?

The meanings of bizarre and fantastic largely overlap; however, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Where would grotesque be a reasonable alternative to fantastic?

Although the words grotesque and fantastic have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fantastic Seeing something like that in the world where people can experience it for more than an 11-week run would be fantastic. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 Nara's addition of the raspberry compote was fantastic. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2025 Presently, its reemergence is rooted in freedom from particular styles and an embrace of the fantastic—a nod to the trailblazing creatives of yore with a contemporary twist. Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 28 Jan. 2025 This orange cultivar’s fantastic red hue always catches people’s eyes by surprise. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fantastic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Does that explain his bizarre excursion to allow Arnaut Danjuma to score?
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Archaeologists have uncovered a series of bizarre ancient burials in France.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ukraine is a fictional state...the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
    Maya Mehrara, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • For television lovers, all six seasons of the beloved sitcom A Different World arrive on February 7, bringing us back to the fictional campus of Hillman College.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Made to be lightweight, these jackets provide incredible warmth without being bulky.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The couple were incredible parents who created a loving home for their two children, the cousins said.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Away from the bottle-poppers of Mykonos, but hardly removed from the season’s social buzz, the white-washed, flat-roofed villas that wrap the cliffs of Santorini are wonderful places to while away a summer.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The melty cheese and crispy bread are a wonderful combination.
    Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even as the conspiracists grew more and more fanciful, wellness was always a pivotal part of their message.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The firm was started 150 years ago by Charles Fournier, a decorator who specialised in decorative painting and gilding and who rose to the fore during the Belle Époque, creating fanciful boiserie decor in ornate neo-18th-century style.
    Sofia Celeste, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In this marvelous, world-building book, Okorafor again showcases her imaginative power and gift of storytelling.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Now, another one is on its way, this one — bonus of all bonuses — featuring the marvelous Kara Young.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Our mayor and City Council must stop pandering to developers by approving zoning laws based on fast, frequent, imaginary, future public transit.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
  • On top of that, Vancouver was right next door, and there was no imaginary border that made Richmond feel like an enclave.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • How To Make Lipstick Last Longer In addition to picking an excellent transfer-proof formula, our experts share a few other tips to ensure longwear.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
  • These devices are an excellent choice for gamers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who loves top-tier streaming.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 4 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fantastic

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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