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 Through the character of Señorita Rio, Renée was able to combat fascism and showcase fabulous fashion. — Gaby Iori october 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 Both make a fabulous cup of joe, and both deserve a spot on your countertop. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2026 After the brand’s fabulous dinner at Sugaar with Mert Alas, the secret is out. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 Although not the most rain-friendly outfit, Lopez looked fabulous in a monochromatic brown ensemble. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Because New York is only as great as its citizens, and that means continuing its legendary diversity—not just racial and ethnic but also economic diversity.
    — Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Curtis introduced the evening’s first presenter, Robert Rodriguez, who presented legendary filmmaker and composer John Carpenter with the Luminary Award.
    — Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Gascón will play Manuela, a teacher in an elite school, and Ituño the the role of Evita, the personal secretary to the prime minister of the series’ fictional country.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The series takes place during the fictional two-term Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences The alfresco pool is lovely, but ongoing construction in the area at the moment is a bit of an eyesore.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe the two can take the nips out on a lovely date to the Wicker 4DX screenings later this month.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Waller is one of the NFL’s few mythical figures — one whose story precedes his stats, whose name supersedes his acclaim.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • With the season’s final two episodes not provided to critics, there’s no way to say yet whether The Lowdown achieves that mythical outcome of all mystery seasons, the Finale That Pulls It All Together.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s from interaction with amazing creatives, amazing writers who have different perspectives.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Everything about the show was amazing and just a joyous occasion and one that will go down in music history.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The wealth tax opponents have applied the age-old technique of mustering superficially plausible, but largely imaginary, consequences of passage.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The genre gave him considerably more freedom to invent architectural settings, mixing classical ruins, waterways, and figures into elaborate imaginary landscapes.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Williams aims to help build a county government that works for everyday people by lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nikko Remigio’s reputation as a return man isn’t splashy plays, but rather excellent ball security.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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