FANCIFUL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fanciful' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fanciful are chimerical , fantastic , imaginary , quixotic , and visionary . While all these words mean "unreal or unbelievable," fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination. // a teller of fanciful stories

Q: How does the word 'chimerical' relate to other synonyms for 'fanciful'?

Chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic . // chimerical dreams of future progress

Q: When could 'fantastic' be used to replace 'fanciful'?

The meanings of fantastic and fanciful largely overlap; however, fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief. // a fantastic world inhabited by monsters

Q: When is 'imaginary' a more appropriate choice than 'fanciful'?

The synonyms imaginary and fanciful are sometimes interchangeable, but imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination. // an imaginary desert isle

Q: Where would 'quixotic' be a reasonable alternative to 'fanciful'?

The words quixotic and fanciful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense. // a quixotic crusade

Q: In what contexts can 'visionary' take the place of 'fanciful'?

The words visionary and fanciful can be used in similar contexts, but visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization. // visionary schemes

fanciful

adjective

ˈfan(t)-si-fəl

Definition of fanciful next

as in bizarre

conceived or made without regard for reason or reality she harbors the fanciful notion that she has a talent for singing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mythic

not real and existing only in the imagination the fanciful creatures that J.R.R. Tolkien created for his Middle Earth novels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fanciful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fanciful are chimerical, fantastic, imaginary, quixotic, and visionary. While all these words mean "unreal or unbelievable," fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination.

a teller of fanciful stories

How does the word chimerical relate to other synonyms for fanciful?

Chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic.

chimerical dreams of future progress

When could fantastic be used to replace fanciful?

The meanings of fantastic and fanciful largely overlap; however, fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief.

a fantastic world inhabited by monsters

When is imaginary a more appropriate choice than fanciful?

The synonyms imaginary and fanciful are sometimes interchangeable, but imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination.

an imaginary desert isle

Where would quixotic be a reasonable alternative to fanciful?

The words quixotic and fanciful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense.

a quixotic crusade

In what contexts can visionary take the place of fanciful?

The words visionary and fanciful can be used in similar contexts, but visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization.

visionary schemes

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of fanciful Despite their fanciful names, fairy wrens are commonplace in Australia. —

Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 In following the fanciful story of two lovers journeying separately through East and Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, Gomes mixes staged scenes with documentary footage — some of it distinctly modern, some of it seemingly more timeless. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024 Unlike many traditional watchmaking houses, Van Cleef often leads with design and storytelling, with technical development serving as the means to turn its fanciful imaginings into reality. —

Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 Arcosanti This community looks like a Dr. Seuss construction site, consisting of a series of structures both striking and fanciful. —

Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fanciful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fanciful

Adjective

Karin is not your typical sweet anime girl, and the narrative is bizarre, unexpected and hilarious.

Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
By Samantha Riedel Sarah McBride Will Officially Be the First Trans Member of U.S. Congress By Nico Lang Amid a packed schedule of eclectic, bizarre, and hilarious series on the Dropout streaming service, Very Important People has already established itself as one of the platform’s finest.

Samantha Allen, Them, 20 Nov. 2024