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 This Fulani style features braided ends for a fabulous addition of color and texture. Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 23 July 2026 My editor Lori and I have been eyeing the sparse market for fabulous toilets since March, but found none so ornate as these Mexican-style pieces. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 Who couldn’t feel the thrill of seeing young stars meet the hype around them and exceed it — Erling Haaland of Norway, Lamine Yamal of Spain, Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, to name the most fabulous? Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 While not every fabulous couch or armchair needs the boot, do take stock of any existing antique upholstered or stuffed furniture in your home. Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Save the Redwoods League, founded in 1918, has played a key role in preserving other legendary old-growth trees around the state, including the Avenue of the Giants and Rockefeller Grove.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Even in the prime of his worldwide fame, the legendary jazz saxophonist regularly came home for gigs.
    Dan Kelly July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • It is set in Mano Majra, a fictional village on the new frontier between India and Pakistan, where Sikh and Muslim families have lived together peacefully for generations.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • Joanne Miller is a fictional agent who in the film leads the manhunt for the adult Ted and uses the words in the Unabomber’s manifesto to track him down.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • The original room also has mannequins showing off fashion-forward outfits from the winners of the Liberty Fabrics x Graduate Fashion Foundation Competition, with lots of lovely clashing patterns and textures.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
  • While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.
    Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Fast-forward from the lair of a mythical creature to the feeds of Gen-Z influencers and tangy, curd-y cheese is still having a moment.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of chasing a mythical peak, look for three concrete signals.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • But the Orlando installation also will not have the amazing hillside setting with its valley and mountain views that the California original promises.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 21 July 2026
  • Harnessing the amazing benefits AI can provide means first developing your executive decision-making skills.
    Hanneke Antonelli, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Its Escape to Moominvalley exhibition, open through October 2026, examines how architecture, home and landscape shaped the imaginary world created by Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Anyway, Will Venable has my imaginary vote, though Mike Vasil's wizardry might be the bigger reason why the White Sox are rolling.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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