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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 These stops boast fabulous flights, outdoor patios, world-class sunsets, and serene mountain views, even friendly farm animals at Peaks of Otter Winery. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025 That had a fabulous echo chamber. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 One area where 350 or so people were trapped is called the Karma Valley, which apparently has fabulous views of Mount Everest’s Kangshung Face. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 8 Oct. 2025 This fabulous nude color lipstick really makes the face. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • She's been gone for over 20 years, and so to win this for a soap opera, playing a villain, is really wonderful.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Some, like the two headlining Christie’s upcoming Rare Watches auction in Geneva, have wonderful horological anomalies that set them apart from more run-of-the-mill references.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, Jones should still be a significant part of the rotation — his excellent field goal percentage and contributions in assists and steals are quite lovely.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Undermining the existing system for partisan ends won’t make the picture look any lovelier.
    Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Linus waits in a pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin, a mythical Santa Claus-like figure who supposedly brings gifts every Halloween.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Linus decides to skip the celebrations to wait in a pumpkin patch for the mythical Great Pumpkin.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dan Aykroyd's amazing cameo as the iconic Ray Stantz from Ghostbusters is a treat to watch.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time a homeowner has shared an amazing discovery during a renovation.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nicolas Cage was rumored to be interested in playing Charlie and his fictitious twin, Donald.
    Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
  • However fictitious, these uplifting moments are currently missing from our real-life news cycle.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Steelers will have an opportunity to get back on track against an excellent Green Bay Packers squad next Sunday, before playing the Indianapolis Colts two days before the NFL trade deadline.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That’s because tipping isn’t in their culture, but Americans still might wish to add gratuity for excellent service.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Four years after the legendary Broncos receiver was found dead in his shower at just 33 years old -- due to complications from a seizure disorder, a medical examiner later ruled — the shock of Thomas’ loss still burns through those closest to him.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Dig into legendary ribs, wings, and brisket at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the roadhouse-style flagship that has become an Upstate New York institution.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, specific local conditions vary on either side of that imaginary line.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Now draw an imaginary line diagonally through the Dipper's bowl from Dubhe (the upper right star in the bowl) down through Phecda (the lower left star in the bowl) and extend that line downward about twice the distance between those two stars and that will bring you to the vicinity of Cor Caroli.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

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