fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

noun

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2
3
4
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
Rubinoff assumed that the spider web also found in the tree hollow was a coincidence; the caterpillar just used the materials readily available in the tree hollow to make its fancy case. ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025 Because a fancy thank-you-for-your-service is what will really get people to commit to raising a full volleyball team. Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
The lemon juice and fresh parsley balance out the richness, while the blue cheese adds a creamy contrast that makes each bite feel a little fancy (without too much effort). Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025 There’s nothing wrong with outlandish flights of fancy on the movie screen. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
The New England Patriots have long fancied themselves a smart football organization. Chad Graff, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 Add in Unai Emery’s experience in Europe, and Villa will fancy their chances against most teams, including likely quarter-final opponents Liverpool (who could only draw 2-2 at Villa Park last month). Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • The teen, who hails from the English city of Chelmsford, underwent more detailed scans at his follow-up appointment, when doctors discovered a large tumor in his brain — a diffuse glioma, stage 4.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Creating Strategy Without Meaning Many leaders mistake detailed strategic plans for true vision.
    Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Haley was found guilty on all counts — using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent, witness tampering and conspiracy to witness tamper.
    Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • May Trigger Digestive Issues Though olive oil may have benefits for some symptoms of digestive disorders such as inflammatory disease, consuming excessive amounts of olive oil can cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea.14 3.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Readers in some sense rewrite a text, enlarging its scope through their imagination, creating a whole world by bringing into play their skills, their memory, their dreams and their personal history, with all its drama and symbolism.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
  • However, LeSean McCoy's Philadelphia Eagles gave K.C. nightmares and celebrated their dreams that came tr... NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, with two trading sessions left, including today, the index was tracking lower for the month on the whims of Washington.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of relying on the commercial whims of foreign markets, Carey reasoned that tariffs would direct domestic agriculture to feed industrial workers and supply factories with raw materials.
    Made by History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Once the results are tweaked to your liking, use the links the tools provide to book your trip.
    Craig Stoltz, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025
  • How to wear the Italian manicure There are plenty of ways to style your Italian manicure to your liking.
    Alejandra Rodríguez, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • From her Imagination Library (over 200 million books given to children since 1999) to her beloved Pigeon Forge theme park, Dollywood, the Queen of Tennessee invites everyone into her colorful world of music and imagination.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
  • This month, Netflix delivers a lineup that blends cultural impact, classic storytelling, and bold new voices—each offering a different lens into Black life, legacy, and imagination.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Now, imagine a flood of political images, hateful memes and mocking videos from domestic and foreign sources taking over social media.
    Ernesto Verdeja, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Original price: $195 Moms of all ages will enjoy the soft touch of Cozy's Earth's Long-Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, passengers can enjoy shows and movies from their favorite streaming platforms by downloading content to watch anytime, anywhere.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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