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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 From impressive pies to beautiful bundt cakes to cookies, these fabulous fall desserts will keep you cozy all fall. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025 Lamar Jackson has been fabulous in outscoring his own hugely disappointing defense. Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 As a petite traveler—I’m 5-foot-2—I’ve long been obsessed with culottes, and this charming plaid pair from Madewell would make for a fabulous transitional piece as the temperature dips. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025 Not to be upstaged, the nuts are equally fabulous. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Melvin is a lovely, lovely bloke.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The movie’s loveliest section is when Abslam starts to see her with new eyes, admiring her resourcefulness as a gentle romance blooms.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Visitors can see the Headless Horseman Bridge and statue, and even eat a burger named after the mythical character.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Images of mythical creatures — goblins, dragons, flying horses — flash behind her.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shackleton may have made a mistake in the outdoors, and the amazing story of his getting back on track entertained millions of people for a century afterward.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The flocking is amazing, not too heavy yet sturdy.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Garcia-Hernandez allegedly has convictions for giving fictitious information, evading arrest, driving while intoxicated and fleeing police.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Don Wagner raised concerns at the board’s Tuesday meeting about fictitious registrations following recent news of a dog that was registered to vote in two recent state elections and a lawsuit by the federal government over noncitizen voter records.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bader was excellent early Saturday, notching a sacrifice fly to drive in Realmuto and hustling to right-center for a diving catch in the fifth.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Both are excellent places for birding, boating, fishing, hiking, and finding a little peace and quiet.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Unser comes from a legendary racing family and his father, Al Unser, and uncle, Bobby Unser, who are both Indy 500 winners themselves.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Lionel Messi and Inter Miami honored Sergio Busquets’ legendary career on Saturday night with a lopsided victory and postgame ceremony, but their Supporters’ Shield hopes simultaneously slipped away.
    Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While their mother is not in the picture, Judy seeks guidance from her boss, Alyson (Megan Mullally), and her imaginary friend, Alanis Morissette (voicing herself), who appears to her in the Northern Lights.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The opportunities for newcomers to be in larger meetings may have been more imaginary than real.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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