fancy 1 of 3

fancy

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noun

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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 to fans of Lewis Carroll, the animal creations of his fertile fancy are as real as any creature to be found at the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fancy

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fancy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fancy are conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When could conceive be used to replace fancy?

The words conceive and fancy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of fancy?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

Where would imagine be a reasonable alternative to fancy?

The meanings of imagine and fancy largely overlap; however, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for fancy?

While the synonyms realize and fancy are close in meaning, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of fancy?

In some situations, the words think and fancy are roughly equivalent. However, think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

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 fancy
Adjective
Anyone would be elated to find a fancy breakfast waiting outside their door on a silver platter, but not Carol. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025 This just some fancy glass water bottle,' read another post. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
There are shades of early Dave Chappelle in the way CP maintains interest and excitement in extended flights of fancy. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 If one of those trails doesn’t catch your fancy, there are plenty more. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Not simply between humans, who fancy themselves the center of the universe, but between any living thing? Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 Trump's first term was plagued by internal sabotage from bureaucrats and agency officers who fancied themselves a coequal branch of government. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • The Marine Corps will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash, a process that is standard for all aviation incidents, and can last several months, involving a detailed review of maintenance records, flight data, and environmental factors.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Alexandra’s factory did not respond to a detailed list of questions from CNN.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Working with Jessica [Yu, director] is a dream.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Saft’s decorating dreams began early.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Denim street style at Paris Fashion Week captured the free-spirited, anything-goes vibe of recent collections—empowering consumers to experiment with their denim looks on a whim.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
  • As the leader of LVMH with a 48% stake in the business, his fortune is largely at the whim of whether consumers are buying up opulent products like Louis Vuitton bags, TAG Heuer watches, and Dom Perignon champagne.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To be honest, this is a bit too hot for my liking, but high-proof fans will geek out on this.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The single bathroom has a stand-up shower and the finishes are customized to your liking—think faux marble on the walls.
    Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The goal is to reconnect with your own unique curiosity and imagination.
    Cas Holman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Whether the Monster is part of Ana’s imagination or not, the scene carries a fragile, haunting power, suggesting that the only person capable of rescuing Ana from the pervasive mystery and misery of her home life belongs to the supernatural, outside the punishing borders of Franco’s Spain.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That said, hard to imagine Burks would be ready to play so quickly.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Then, imagine those color-changing mountains reflected in the briny water of desert salt flats, a mirage that ripples when local flamingos fly by in twos and threes.
    Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ad ends with Akerman getting caught enjoying a Sonic meal from her car as the employee recognizes her with her blonde hair.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The charity advises people to approach felines with caution and also know when to stop as not all cats enjoy fuss for hours on end.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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