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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fabulous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fabulous are apocryphal, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When is apocryphal a more appropriate choice than fabulous?

While the synonyms apocryphal and fabulous are close in meaning, apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

Where would fictitious be a reasonable alternative to fabulous?

The words fictitious and fabulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When might legendary be a better fit than fabulous?

The meanings of legendary and fabulous largely overlap; however, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

When could mythical be used to replace fabulous?

Although the words mythical and fabulous have much in common, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

Examples 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 fabulous Riverside: Get outside and take a walk along the wide paved trail in this landmark 161-acre city park, which offers fabulous views and even a historic bridge and tower toward the top. Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 28 Nov. 2024 Find fabulous fashion finds (and more) for up to 50% off, below. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2024 Choose from the large or small size and four fabulous colors to find one that works perfectly for your lifestyle. Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024 Prasad’s history of this fabulous material, from the time of the Pharaohs to World War II and contemporary studies, is one of the book's most fascinating stories. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fabulous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Among the loveliest species to link the U.S. with Mexico are monarch butterflies, whose migratory populations are dwindling.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
  • And the Tahini shortbread just what a lovely kind of savory cookie, just really got some nuance in terms of just that savory edge to the flavor.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • When to book Kayak confirms what USA TODAY has mentioned before: there's no mythical best time to book anymore.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • There’s its mythical leader as represented in creepy murals; the Egan family, whose members speak with religious fervor about capitalist enterprise; and Mark’s boss Mr. Milchick, played by series breakout Tramell Tillman, whose dance moves from a sinisterly awkward office party went viral.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What’s been amazing about series one is getting all these incredible actors together.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Expect opulent craft cocktails, Champagne and wine, plus caviar, oysters and light bites/shareables, presented in a space with amazing views and a Googie design.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Advertisement Now, roughly six months later, prosecutors in Ventura County are alleging Boyer attempted to register various fictitious felines to vote in the months preceding the November election.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
  • In fact, others say Hollywood has become inhospitable to Israelis, even fictitious ones.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This example from Swiss Watch Expo is in excellent, near new condition with its full bracelet and original box.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
  • With its combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and affordability, Turkey—and Vera Clinic in particular—is an excellent choice for anyone seeking exceptional hair restoration results.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • OutKast released six albums during their legendary run during the Nineties and early 2000s, with their final album, Idlewild, arriving in 2006.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The legendary wide receiver urged Favre to be transparent in regard to the Mississippi money scandal.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Then, as the game clock ticked closer to zero, Young dribbled the clock out, blew in his hand and rolled imaginary die on the massive Knicks’ midcourse logo.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The outdoor areas –in addition to providing the energetic kids room to run, play and even pedal tricycles around imaginary tracks — are essential parts of the learning experience and development of motor skills.
    Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fabulous

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

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