Definition of fabulousnext
1
2
3
4

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 However, this same influence is fabulous for imaginative, creative projects. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026 This proximity makes Miami Beach a fabulous choice for fans looking to balance soccer with sun. Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 Kendall Jenner recently gave an enviable tour of her fabulous closet. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026 Taking a fabulous getaway is awesome. Nicole Harris, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Ernie Anastos, the legendary Emmy-winning Eyewitness News anchor and talk show host, died on Thursday.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Maryanne was especially proud of her friendship with cartoonist Dale Messick, the woman who created the newspaper comic strip heroine Brenda Starr, legendary reporter with a flowing red crown of hair and signature sparkle in her eyes.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The state should leave well enough alone and let the Connecticut homeschool community educate their children in many wonderful ways.
    Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Another wonderful spot is McIntire Park, especially the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial section.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The gambit that Shelley somehow comes to possess her fictional creation is sustained, as Ida alternates between a very American dialect and a more high-toned British accent.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The film has resulted in some confusion online given a documentary last year titled Age of Disclosure, which interviewed former government officials about UAPs, with some wondering if Spielberg’s fictional movie is part of some larger conspiratorial effort on the topic.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • My lovely new neighbors have a son my daughter’s age.
    Heather Grossmann, Parents, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Orange juice, ginger ale, and pineapple juice make up a lovely treat for after the egg hunt.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Hill compared Chamberlain to a Paul Bunyon-type, a mythical figure in sports in large part because there's little video of his playing heyday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Celebrate all things Irish, rock out to four bands, watch a musical that intertwines two mythic tales, see a Baltimore cult classic at the Senator Theatre and listen to a soulful tribute to R&B legends.
    John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From the very beginning, she was determined and had this amazing self-belief.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The flip side • Kudos to Courtney and Ewan for doing an amazing job of leading two buses of very excited first-graders through the Orlando Wetlands on a field trip!
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Nobody has ever called Brentford head coach Keith Andrews a magical or imaginary being.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Circumpolar stars Astronomers use a common set of reference points to project Earth’s north and south poles, and the equator, onto the celestial sphere, an imaginary sphere encompassing the sky.
    Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their egg dishes are excellent, the burger is top-notch and the roasted chicken, which is cooked over an open fire in the kitchen, is superb.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The bralette-style cups on this dual-strap tankini top are an excellent fit for smaller chests, and the criss-crossing back is a fun touch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster