far-fetched

adjective

ˈfär-ˈfecht 

1

: brought from a remote time or place

2

: not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : improbable

a far-fetched story

farfetchedness

ˈfär-ˈfech(t)-nəs, 

-ˈfe-chəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of far-fetched

• unlikely

Examples of far-fetched in a Sentence

an exciting thriller, but one with a far-fetched plot that no sensible person could believe

Recent Examples on the Web

Even if life on certain planets—and our ability to reach them—sounds more far-fetched than on others, the team explained that further observations will still help advance the search for extraterrestrial life. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026

Not so long ago, that explanation might have sounded far-fetched, just as some of the chronic symptoms of a lightning strike still do, to some. —Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Even if Champions League qualification feels far-fetched, securing a place in either the Europa League or Conference League remains eminently possible — and important financially. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

This may seem far-fetched, given that giant black holes aren’t known for going on walkabouts. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for far-fetched

• overstretched
• etched
• fetched
• sketched
• stretched
• farfetched
• outstretched

Kids Definition

far-fetched

adjective

ˈfär-ˈfecht

: not easily or naturally thought of : improbable

gave some far-fetched excuse