fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

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

3 of 3

verb

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a fancy restaurant
an extravagant restaurant
a formal restaurant
a posh restaurant
a classy restaurant
a luxurious restaurant
fancy cars
flashy cars
lavish cars
snazzy cars
swanky cars
fancy clothes
formal clothes
glamorous clothes
dressy clothes
fabulous clothes
extravagant clothes

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
There was a time when ponytails were considered too casual or juvenile to work for a fancy event. Marci Robin, Allure, 8 Aug. 2025 The Pretzel Cheddar Club is just their regular sandwich on a fancier bun with bacon. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
Crispy, rich, a little fancy, and totally comforting. Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 If those did not tickle the fancy, the Danube river was less than a five-minute walk away and provided staff members with good views on their morning runs. Art De Roché, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
Trump has floated the idea of adding himself to the famed South Dakota mountainside since his first term, reportedly fancying the idea so much that then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gifted him an $1,100 bust of his face in the lineup during his park visit in 2020. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 5 July 2025 Some of the sprinters won’t be able to hang on; those that do will fancy their chances of victory. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • Rudman also highlighted the detailed marine artwork on some of the company’s new long-sleeve T-shirts.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Private equity can have expensive structures, excessive fees, long lock-up periods, and valuations that are notoriously stale—making liquidity (getting money out), and performance (assessing the actual performance) more opaque for investors.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Hot days tax the body greatly and if your body is not up to the challenge, excessive environmental heat can result in severe injury and even death.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Running the largest sports media company in the world is a dream job for Pitaro, a lifelong Yankees fan who named one of his dogs Jeter (as in Derek).
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • An original work set in the world of 1950s ping pong culture, the film tells the story of Marty Mauser (Chalamet), a young man with a dream no one respects, who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike toilet paper and baby formula, which experienced shortages during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, toys are a discretionary purchase subject to the whims of trend-seeking consumers.
    Alex Vuocolo, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Your own personal golf buggy to whiz around the resort and a dedicated butler to ensure every whim is met—from pillow menus to sunset canapés.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Return the pan to the oven and cook 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and browned to your liking.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Make sure to hit the selection of serious salsas to finish them off to your liking and grab a mezcal from the adjacent ReyRey bar.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Moss designed the whimsical room with warm colors and materials to help invite imagination.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Visit, relax, unwind, and allow your mind and imagination to enjoy and explore the beauty of this world-class institution.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The play imagines what would happen if President Abraham Lincoln's assassination wasn't exactly a bad thing for his insufferable wife.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • If a highly fit teenage boy can die of heat stroke on a hot day, imagine the degree of challenge to older folks who typically are much less fit.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dine-in customers nationwide had the option to enjoy endless boneless wings and fries for $19.99, and the deal allowed use of brand's 26 sauces and dry rubs.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Much of that is down to the American ingratiating himself after saying a couple of phrases in Catalan, enjoying a beer with supporters outside the stadium, and getting behind the players inside it.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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