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 Because the person who told me that Sarah did it is one of my best friends, Dina Waters, who’s a fabulous Emmy Award-winning actress. Sarah Hearon, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026 There’s so many interactions between us and fabulous accidents that just happen. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Dallas is known for its fabulous shopping, so wear comfy shoes for a day of retail therapy at shops like Stanley Korshak, the largest independent department store in the nation. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 In the clip, the pair can be seen performing a fabulous tango on the dance floor as judges and fellow participants surround them at the New York Marriott. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • The Licking ranch sits within the Hell Creek Formation, a legendary geological boneyard that stretches across Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
  • On the third floor, Sightglass serves their legendary coffee.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • The hotel’s design concept weaves a story around the fictional historic Lamarck University, an homage to the French evolutionary theorist, which was supposedly founded in 1894, then abandoned in the 1940s, and ultimately restored by Marriott.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • In honor of The Bear’s final season, Jono Pandolfi’s signature white and toasted clay dinnerware (featured in the fictional restaurant) is 15% off.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Here’s everything to know about The Odyssey characters, mythical creatures and gods.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • In fact, the mythical character of Odysseus does not deserve the blame.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • There didn’t seem to be an amazing atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and France didn’t really offer anything to change that.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The World Cup has been an amazing spectacle and, mercifully, the sport’s notorious hooligans have been largely absent.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Alcohol and flamboyance are indeed closely linked in the cultural imaginary.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • On a Boston escalator, a few people pull imaginary oars, and the commuters around them reach for an oar of their own.
    Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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