as in fictitious
not real and existing only in the imagination
told by the psychologist that it was perfectly normal for their child to have an imaginary friend
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Recent Examples of imaginary
To find Hydra, first locate the bright stars Chertan and Regulus in the constellation Leo and draw an imaginary line from the former to the latter, extending 20 degrees into open space.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Artists in the 18th century would often include a person of color, who would sometimes be imaginary, in their portraits of wealthy white sitters to embellish the painting and highlight the high status of the main subject, according to the researchers.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The takeaway isn’t that morning anxiety is imaginary.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
If consequences are optional, deterrence is imaginary.
—Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginary
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Artists in the 18th century would often include a person of color, who would sometimes be imaginary, in their portraits of wealthy white sitters to embellish the painting and highlight the high status of the main subject, according to the researchers.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The takeaway isn’t that morning anxiety is imaginary.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
If consequences are optional, deterrence is imaginary.
—Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginary
Adjective
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Paul Dano is spin doctor and adviser Vadim Baranov, a fictitious character loosely inspired by real-life Russian politician Vladislav Surkov.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
That was a role model of a fictitious kind.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
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Loosely based on the legends of the Nang Mai, Thailand’s mythical forest nymphs, the film is scripted by Patrick Graham, the writer behind Netflix’s Indian horror series Ghoul and Betaal, based on a concept by Songsak Mongkolthong (Graveyard Horror), who is also attached to direct.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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If Hellebuyck is Ullmark, then an imagined equivalent could send Hellebuyck to San Jose for Alex Nedeljkovic, Barclay Goodrow, and Edmonton’s 2026 first-round pick.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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The imagined version — the perfect one.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Peter [Merry] likes to use is that, when a caterpillar is becoming a butterfly, new ‘imaginal cells’ emerge.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
7 Aug. 2025
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With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.—
Angela Haupt,
TIME,
10 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Imaginary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginary. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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