variants also fantastical
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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

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 fantastic Latin American genre cinema has a knack for producing fantastic period films, but this year’s titles are mostly set in the modern day, and those that aren’t are – except for one in the 1960s – set in the last half-century. Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 But Aspen-Snowmass takes the cake for its easy access to four fantastic mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), live music options, and many excellent restaurants. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 Taylor Roloff, Encinal volleyball: The Jets standout had a fantastic match in the NCS Division IV semifinals, finishing with 27 kills, two assists and two blocks. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024 Mark reiterates that Jonathan is a fantastic human being. Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fantastic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • 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
  • Karin is not your typical sweet anime girl, and the narrative is bizarre, unexpected and hilarious.
    Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • At the beginning of Gladiator II, he is forced to return to Rome after an army led by the fictional general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades Numidia, kills Lucius’ wife and son, and sells him into slavery as a gladiator.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Set in a fictional North Carolina town, One Tree Hill followed two half-brothers, Lucas (Murray) and Nathan (Lafferty), who are forced to navigate high school and social circles despite having a strained relationship.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The incredible detail of Anderson's stop-motion animation gets more astounding in every scene (The leaves!
    Gwen Ihnat, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • From clothing and shoe sales that will spruce up everyone’s travel wardrobe to suitcases that make packing a cinch, read on for more incredible finds.
    Claire Brodsky, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In a testament to the power of libraries creating a sense of community through programs, a patron shared a wonderful anecdote recently with our youth services librarian, Melissa Burke.
    Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • It’s got wonderful culture, interesting history, amazing attractions and businesses.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The fanciful creation was inspired by the house’s artisans, its watchmaking and trunkmaking heritage, and the Vivienne music box.
    Vivian Song, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • This is one of the more obvious, less fanciful duets on Love for Sale, Gaga’s second album with Tony Bennett.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s perhaps nowhere that native wildflowers put on a more marvelous display than at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, southwest of downtown Austin.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
  • The traveler is often captive to the slow-moving, and the marvelous, and the memorable, in strangeness.
    Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • And the exasperation goes from imaginary frustration to real annoyance.
    Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
  • And through her mesmerizing filmmaking, Kapadia creates a world that didn’t seem possible — which, of course, reinforces how imaginary this new place might prove to be.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver premium sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a sleek, durable design.
    Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Later in the day, someone older or more experienced might have excellent advice for you.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fantastic

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

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