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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 Happy belated birthday to this fabulous starlet! Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025 Scott was fabulous; he was rated UM’s third-best run defender and allowed only one of six passes in his coverage area to be caught, for 12 yards. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 The film's positive reception set Gaga on a long awards season run filled with fabulous fashion. EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Take note that this evening is a fabulous time to socialize. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Robbie's French twist updo would be a lovely choice for a bride, while a sky-high style like Cardi B's would be fun for a holiday party.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Beautifully made, with lovely harmony, this is consistently one of the finest examples of Satèn; simply delicious, enjoy over the next three to seven years.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Over at Metropolitan State University, the on-campus gallery is presenting works from five Twin Cities Latino artists working across paintings, puppetry, photography and more focused on bestiarios, or fantastical, mythical beasts.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Renewal Through Setback Erik Marthon Olsen of Laerdal Invest chose the phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This fall brings a mix of amazing films.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That alone is amazing, said Timbrook, Depue and a representative for the soft body armor vest that stopped a bullet from piercing the officer’s chest.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Newton soon learned, there is a long runway between playing a fictitious, Regency-era ladies’ man and becoming one of the most recognizable designers in pop culture.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The film is set in New Mexico, in the fictitious title town—population of two thousand four hundred and thirty-five, according to a road sign—where the election year sees the mayor also up for reëlection.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The openings can keep your feet cool or give you an excellent way to show off some eye-catching socks once the weather get cooler.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This one was about seizing one of the sweetest victories of his legendary career … whether the old quarterback wanted to admit it or not.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Busta Rhymes proved his legendary hip hop status during his set at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Steve Young lifts his arm, holding an imaginary football, preparing to throw.
    Seth Wickersham, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover, her five-letter titles refer to satellite navigation waypoints and fixes for aircraft flying in clouds or at night, that offer passage to imaginary locations defined by the interception of magnetic vectors drawn from the earth’s poles.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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