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 restaurant, Caffè dell’Oro, which has sidewalk seating overlooking the river, serves a fabulous buffet breakfast and upscale Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 Corey Matthaei do a fabulous job of teaching each and every one that goes out there. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 This warm, spicy, and slightly sweet fragrance is also a fabulous fall aroma, thanks to its blend of Violet leaf, cassis, jasmine, cinnamon, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, and caramel. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026 While there, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture, learn about the area’s history on a walking tour, and unwind in the city’s fabulous hotels. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • United’s great-grandmother was the legendary Holsteiner mare Classic Touch, who won individual gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics with German rider Ludger Beerbaum.
    Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The real star of the evening was not Waititi but Simon de Pury, the longtime and legendary amfAR auctioneer who knows how to work a crowd and the room.
    Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Chief among Kvaratskhelia’s standout moments in a PSG shirt was his wonderful solo goal against Aston Villa in last year’s Champions League quarter-final.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Also figuring prominently in the proceedings is the cleric’s acolyte Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit), a fictional character representing the many women who took part in the movement.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Amidst this fictional romance boom, real life dating is in a recession.
    Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The café is tucked away in the heart of the garden—a lovely pit stop.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
  • This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Only Frenchman Paret-Peintre, winner up the mythical Mont Ventoux at last year’s Tour de France, was able to follow — with the powerful Van Aert easily winning the sprint for the line.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Norway Pavilion once included a ride called Maelstrom, which took riders through the Norwegian fjords with Vikings and mythic trolls.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful?
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Looking down at planes below Working on the 105th floor, Dadakis said, was an amazing experience.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Where teams already afforded every advantage are now given the gift of imaginary time.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The equinox occurs when the sun’s center passes through the imaginary line from the north to the south.
    Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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