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 She’s been dealt a fabulous hand all season, and her success doesn’t seem to be through particularly great work on her part. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 May 2026 And as fate would have it, art fair season has officially descended on New York like a fabulous spring shower. Max Berlinger, Vogue, 14 May 2026 Columbus, Ohio, takes fun seriously—with an impressive food scene, fabulous hotels, and vibrant neighborhoods. Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 13 May 2026 And 'Here's your fabulous tour! Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • When the legendary actor arrived at Cannes, he was presented with an honorary Palme d'or by festival director Thierry Frémaux.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • The legendary quarterback is also a co-owner of the Raiders, who play the Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Week 5.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The shatteringly crispy skin on these chicken thighs is achieved without frying, meaning less mess and oil, but the same lovely crunchy result.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
  • There’s going to be a little inkling of the night shift personality in the next season, which will be lovely.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
  • Loosely based on the legends of the Nang Mai, Thailand’s mythical forest nymphs, the film is scripted by Patrick Graham, the writer behind Netflix’s Indian horror series Ghoul and Betaal, based on a concept by Songsak Mongkolthong (Graveyard Horror), who is also attached to direct.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • This blend is absolutely amazing.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
  • These next-gen helicopters are going to be amazing.
    Omar Kardoudi May 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Gaiman works like The Sandman and American Gods have served as inviting gateways to imaginary worlds for multiple generations of readers and viewers.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 13 May 2026
  • By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Christopher Sanchez has once again been excellent, and Jacob Misiorowski has often looked unhittable with over 14 strikeouts per nine innings.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The excellent, nonprofit gallery and incubator known as PlatteForum has moved around a bit over the years, and will reopen in the Art District on Santa Fe starting June 5.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

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