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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fabulous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fabulous are apocryphal, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When is apocryphal a more appropriate choice than fabulous?

While the synonyms apocryphal and fabulous are close in meaning, apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

Where would fictitious be a reasonable alternative to fabulous?

The words fictitious and fabulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When might legendary be a better fit than fabulous?

The meanings of legendary and fabulous largely overlap; however, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

When could mythical be used to replace fabulous?

Although the words mythical and fabulous have much in common, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

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 fabulous This is a fabulous window in time to shake it up, try new things, and venture in new directions — physically, mentally, spiritually and beyond. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 Whether you’re headed to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby or hosting a viewing party from the comfort of your own home, race day always calls for a fabulous Derby dress. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025 Comments Even when a blowout hotel isn’t in the budget, a fabulous night’s stay is within reach at these 15 properties, all of which come in at less than $300 a night. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 Stefani, who is married to country musician and Oklahoma native Blake Shelton, spent the week with her husband and sons Zuma and Apollo (her eldest son Kingston was not present) at one fabulous luxury resort in the heart of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.
    Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Opened just a few years ago, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel offers excellent service, lovely rooms and terrific food.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • There is an endless supply of them, usually taking place in lovely ancient English towns, where there seem to be a fantastic number of murderers.
    Shannon Doyne, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The series titles alludes to mythical and powerful ancient artifacts from the game universe.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The First Shadow is a stand-alone prequel to the series, and its creators say the play is, in fact, canon to its mythical universe, and could be referenced in the upcoming Season Five of the series.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been a full decade since Poot Lovato had her last taste of freedom — and according to Demi Lovato, the hilarious, fictitious alter ego is staying locked up for many decades more.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Officers of the court have a duty of candor to the court and an obligation not to file fictitious lawsuits that have no basis in fact or law.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At a minimum, professionals are looking for dependable inventory, top-quality and professional-grade equipment, effortless trade-ins, excellent customer service and reliable and fast repairs.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space.
    Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her meticulous research and historical erudition are legendary, and her belief in the magic of fashion is unwavering.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Like many legendary New Yorkers, Millay came from somewhere else.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This means flopping through different symbolic rooms of an imaginary house — a schtick that Danielle Deadwyler also had to do for the same reason in The Woman in the Yard, a movie that might still be playing when Thunderbolts* hits the cineplex.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The deeper themes about race and history and culture, as well as the sheer terror and excitement, all feed audiences craving to confront our demons and fears, but in a safe imaginary setting – all the more important when those fears increasingly stalk the daytime for so many people.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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