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 curries are fabulous, especially the Gulnaar tandoori chicken and the monkfish curry. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 For even more privacy, or perhaps the best place to accommodate the family, the Dower House is a fabulous five-bedroom private house, complete with a dreamy pool buried deep in the countryside. Delilah Khomo, Vanity Fair, 8 Aug. 2026 Inside, you’ll be greeted by Libby, the resident pup, and stacks of fabulous titles lining the walls. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 Cloudflare is also surging after fabulous earnings, up 15% premarket. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Bannister's extensive career began with Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm in 1975, leading to their legendary Phantasm collaboration.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Drake’s midlife crisis is seemingly less about shoring up his legacy as a legendary artist than enshrining himself as a historic main character capable of capturing the public’s attention by appealing to its most base instincts.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Blending documentary and fictional elements, directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw pay homage to the remarkable and charming people whose zest for life shapes and preserves this unique region and its centuries-old culture.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One is usually informational, and one is a fictional read for fun.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory First inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle at the turn of the century, this property is charismatically old at a lovely 125.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There are orange and ube lattes, that sea-salt cheese latte that only comes iced and soft serve with coffee – a drippy, lovely affogato.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The American supermarket, with its endless array of products and innovations like the shopping cart and barcodes, has achieved an almost mythical status around the world.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Such is the power of mythic literature that the creation has outlived his creator.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The bride adds that working with all the amazing local vendors was truly a highlight.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her energy, dedication, spirit and connection with the kids are amazing.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Argentinian prairie is adorned with imaginary houses, castles and theatres as the young girls construct spontaneous, invisible cities, stories and games in which Koberidze’s likewise unseen characters could live.
    Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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