Definition of fabulousnext
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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 The fact that the cosmos is serving us with one final, fabulous curveball should be more than enough to get your attention! Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 What’s more, the grounds are part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, open to visitors to sprawl out on the lawn, marvel at the castle, and admire Sarah’s fabulous flowers. Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026 Haden, one of the few gay people in hard-core music (and certainly the most fabulous one), has found the intersection between punk and pride. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026 The next town over, Salem, has a fabulous selection of antiques, with longstanding stores like Charlotte's Web Antique Mall waiting to welcome visitors. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Sure, there are some legendary money managers who have outperformed the averages — over the long run.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 41-year-old is still adding legendary plays to his collection.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s been wonderful over the five generations.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Bringing it back to America is wonderful.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Apex, which primarily consists of its two main characters chasing each other around the fictional Wandarra National Park on location in the real Australian Blue Mountains, is more focused in action than in psychological nuance.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Some rappers have begun directly attesting to the fictional nature of their music.
    Maria Sherman, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks to that lovely wide field of view, Roman will be able to rapidly image tons of galaxies to generate detailed, 3D vistas of the cosmos.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • This lovely semi-evergreen groundcover (Pachysandra procumbens) is ideal for shaded woodlands.
    Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But this year’s report, published Wednesday, has the Queen City of the East – home of horror author Stephen King and the mythical birthplace of lumberjack Paul Bunyan – standing alone.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • What could be more human than to weave a mythic narrative of self and clan around what is remembered, and the slippages of what might have been?
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Considered Lisbon’s highest perch, this Graça hideaway, close to a stop for the fabled 28 tram, has amazing views of the castle just across the way, and the city and Tagus River beyond.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Our on-set photographer is an amazing photographer.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If consequences are optional, deterrence is imaginary.
    Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Both strikers demand attention from defenders but are excellent off-the-ball runners too.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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