Main Entry: ¹fan·tas·tic

Pronunciation: \fan-ˈtas-tik, fən-\

Variant(s): also fan·tas·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English fantastic, fantastical, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French fantastique, from Late Latin phantasticus, from Greek phantastikos producing mental images, from phantazein to present to the mind — more at fancy

Date: 14th century

1 a : based on fantasy : not real b : conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy c : so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable; broadly : exceedingly large or great
2 : marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric
3 fantastic : excellent, superlative <a fantastic meal>

— fan·tas·ti·cal·i·ty \(ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-ˈka-lə-tē, fən-\ noun

— fan·tas·ti·cal·ness \-ˈtas-tə-kəl-nəs\ noun

synonyms fantastic, bizarre, grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality. fantastic may connote unrestrained extravagance in conception or merely ingenuity of decorative invention <dreamed up fantastic rumors to spread>. bizarre applies to the sensationally queer or strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination <a bizarre medieval castle built in the heart of a modern city>. 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 adorn the cathedral> <though grief-stricken, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile>.

synonyms see in addition imaginary