fantasia

noun fan·ta·sia \ fan-ˈtā-zhə , -zhē-ə , -zē-ə ; ˌfan-tə-ˈzē-ə \

Definition of fantasia

1 : a free usually instrumental composition not in strict form

2 a : a work (such as a poem or play) in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted

b : something possessing grotesque, bizarre, or unreal qualities

Recent Examples of fantasia from the Web

Kerrigan’s half of the show, without Seimetz’s attention to character work, is an icy fantasia of unfettered capitalism, in which every relationship—professional or personal—involves someone abusing their power.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Bleak World of The Girlfriend Experience," 5 Nov. 2017
On the menu: beet fantasia, wagyu ribeye with bone marrow custard, and—decadence alert—black truffles (on the menu til mid-March).

— Condé Nast Traveler, "The Inn at Little Washington," 20 Oct. 2017
In fact, in this fiscal fantasia, the magical thinking, conjuring words, and obvious obfuscations are now run by us at 78 r.p.m.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "What Is It About America He Doesn't Get?," 12 Mar. 2013
Thaddeus Phillips and designer Steven Dufala create a family-friendly fantasia that takes us for a fabulous ride through the universe, with inflato-whales, penguins, a curious little boy, and plenty of the unexpected.

— john timpane, Philly.com, "Here's what to see at Fringe on Sept. 15," 14 Sep. 2017
Fantasia' (1940) The trippy animated film, choreographed to the tune of classical music, should be added to your queue immediately.

— carly mallenbaum, Cincinnati.com, "Stream these 10 Disney movies on Netflix while you can," 9 Aug. 2017
Fantasia is a three-year-old Domestic Short Hair Tuxedo.

— susan green, OregonLive.com, "Portland-area pets for adoption Aug. 15 (photos)," 15 Aug. 2017
Fantasia' (1940) The trippy animated film, choreographed to the tune of classical music, should be added to your queue immediately.

— carly mallenbaum, Cincinnati.com, "Stream these 10 Disney movies on Netflix while you can," 9 Aug. 2017
Endless Poetry The second chapter of Alejandro Jodorowsky's autobiographical fantasia is a visually ravishing, thrillingly strange tale of personal, artistic and social liberation set against the backdrop of the 1940s and '50s Santiago, Chile.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "'Dunkirk,' 'Girl Trip,' 'Il Boom' and more movie picks for July 21," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fantasia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.