fantasy 1 of 2

variants also phantasy
Definition of fantasynext
1
2
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others the painter gave free rein to his fantasy to create pictures that capture the kind of reality we experience only in our dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in fiction
something that is the product of the imagination we were coming to the conclusion that the person Karen "saw" in the woods was another one of her fantasies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fantasy

2 of 2

verb

Example 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 fantasy
Noun
He’s best known for his Nicolas Cage–starring fantasy thriller Dream Scenario, but this trailer evokes his smaller hit, Sick of Myself, a dark comedy about a narcissistic woman and her equally toxic artist boyfriend. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026 Some might argue that fantasies, by definition, know no bounds. Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 People will say they are entitled to their opinion, so that would be a fantasy world. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 At the same time, long-term relationship expectations demand realistic changes, forcing you to confront where fantasy has replaced structure or mutual responsibility. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantasy
Noun
  • When the kids find a cave full of silver, Ollie’s dreams seem suddenly within reach, and an Old West adventure to claim the riches ensues.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Like a lot of musicians, Aleister has to navigate an existence filled with booze, weed, groupies, the spotlight, entitled rock stars, family members who don’t understand the dream, and band dynamics.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And all the teachers were social documentary still photographers and filmmakers, reminding me that there is as much drama in what is and what was as anything that the human imagination dreams up.
    NBC news, NBC news, 1 Feb. 2026
  • In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For a generation raised on viral clips of air‑rage fights and customer‑service meltdowns, the quiet order of a Japanese train car—no loud phone calls, no overflowing trash—reads almost like aspirational fiction.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Ginger Strand Ginger Strand is an American author of nonfiction and fiction.
    Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now imagine the same with some of those teary eyes angled down toward glowing screens, while others frame the bride with their phones.
    Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Some researchers suggested that goodbyes required cognitive abilities that many nonhuman animals might lack, such as the capacity to imagine and plan for the future.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If choosing between communicating a less impressive truth versus a more sparkling illusion, keep it real and build credibility.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Romance, at least in its early stages, is a fragile illusion.
    Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Create Shadow Art Shadow art is a great way to lean into Groundhog Day while also letting kids express their own creativity.
    Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Able to operate across the midfield, the 23-year-old would provide bite and physicality during Joelinton’s ongoing injury absence, while also offering creativity in attack, which Newcastle have lacked, especially in away matches.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Evelyn, like so many of her neighbors, owns a chapter in this tale.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Feel-good tale about a young female governor?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The society envisions public events featuring speakers and workshops that focus on wellness and community for people of all ages.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Close your eyes and try to envision Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a tandem.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fantasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantasy. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantasy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!