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 But the plot is just a loose framework for the film’s real appeal, which is its sly sense of fun, fabulous costumes, and genius use of its limited indie resources. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 Frameline strikes gold to mark its fabulous rainbow-ready 50th anniversary festival, one that’s jam-packed with 140 films showcasing the best that LGBTQ+ movie-making has to offer. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 What a fabulous finish to the mainstage program of our 25th anniversary Fortune Brainstorm Tech yesterday. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 June 2026 The bride-to-be aced the assignment with a Bottega Veneta clutch (likely a custom version of the house’s Andiamo bag) that was just as feathery and fabulous as her gown. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • After major renovations, Mexico City’s legendary stadium Estadio Azteca is hosting the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • In a candid chat with Variety, Beckham discussed his legendary journey.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cutting a ribbon, celebrating this wonderful binational relationship, and the wonderful Gordie Howe Bridge that is the new crossing linking Windsor and Detroit.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • However, while this plant is wonderful for home gardens and dinner tables, not all plants will work well as its neighbor.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Jurassic Park screenwriter notes that aliens, both real and fictional, might exist entirely outside of the bounds of human comprehension.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
  • What was the challenge of making this fictional band’s stardom believable — the charisma, the presence on stage, the discography?
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility The Dominick is a dog-friendly property– where pups under 25 pounds are allowed for a lovely stay (for a $250 pet fee).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • The crochet eyelet design gives this set an expensive feel, and the skirt hits at a lovely spot between midi and maxi.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The site tells you, in simple terms, whether the dog — or any other animal, real or mythical — makes it out alive.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • There are also hopper toys that defy the typical ball design in favor of whimsical animals and mythical creatures.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • And the amazing part was that everyone in the building seemed to know that instantly.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • Yes, the mighty lavender—a favorite of humans and pollinators alike—is an all-year bloomer, and its amazing purple flowers will naturally scent your home daily.
    Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • She was arrested last summer for yelling at imaginary people due to her psychiatric challenges, Murphy said.
    Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • But these images as well as those from other cultures are evidence of how deeply the dog is lodged in folk consciousness as an imaginary animal alter ego.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG The grizzled leader of PSG’s excellent defence occupies a similar role for Brazil, and his partnership with Gabriel will be the foundation for any deep World Cup run.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Watts got another excellent chance in the waning seconds, but the Patriots defense forced the shot to go wide.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 15 Jun. 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