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 Zoe Lister-Jones makes a fabulous Bond villain as Vivienne, the scientist assigned to supervise Les’ work by his eccentric backer Hilton (Ronny Chieng). Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026 Something that will ensure her legacy is as fabulous as her life. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026 Among the events listed are the Elgin Fourth of July parade and a challenge for participants to log 250 miles of physical activity throughout Kane County for America’s 250 with the fabulous Fox River and the National Water Trail. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Ben’s brilliant direction, coupled with Simon’s fabulous screenplay and our all-star cast have drawn in a wide family audience looking for the wit and wonder which the film provides. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • His journey to becoming a businessman, father, adventurer, esteemed surfboard shaper, and legendary surfer – he was featured on the cover of Surfer magazine in 1962 and has a spot on Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach – began as a student at the University of South Dakota.
    Michelle Breier, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • As a reluctant child of the Ain’t it Cool News era, the Drafthouse had long assumed some kind of legendary status in my mind.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But that is the context of a wonderful performance.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And serialization is a glorious, wonderful thing that happens automatically to a show that people love.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan — who played the fictional agent with a license to kill in four films in the '90s — is open-minded about reprising his role.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In the episode, detectives Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) and Theo Walker (David Ajala) chase the shooters through the Brooklyn Museum, a stand-in for the show’s fictional Atlas Museum of Art.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One one side, a lovely mother and daughter in the middle of planning her wedding.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • This is a lovely array of dresses, and it is pulled from a collection that DAM’s fans and supporters can easily admire.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the most important sighting of the mythical Stravinskian fowl might be the revival of Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 1982 version, migrating back to New York for the first time in more than twenty years.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The poem tells the story of the seduction of a sixteen-year-old girl by the watermonster, a mythical figure, weaving together themes of place, identity, trauma, and transformation.
    Patrick Dundon, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And many contain an amazing assortment of super nutritious foods like quinoa, kale, beans and spinach.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Another thing that’s amazing to me about Asawa, and that Chase’s book reveals, is her relationship to her family and her community.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And so the super, super devoted fans really do know each other and really are jockeying with each other for position in a way that feels both real and imaginary.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
  • No borders and a thin blue line Viewing the Earth from space, White highlights, drives home that the borders that mark our maps are largely imaginary.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Alliums are excellent neighbors to beets, brassicas, tomatoes, and more.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
  • This bracelet makes an excellent Mother’s Day jewelry gift.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 13 Apr. 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