fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

noun

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as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others to fans of Lewis Carroll, the animal creations of his fertile fancy are as real as any creature to be found at the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fancy

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fancy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fancy are conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When could conceive be used to replace fancy?

The words conceive and fancy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of fancy?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

Where would imagine be a reasonable alternative to fancy?

The meanings of imagine and fancy largely overlap; however, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for fancy?

While the synonyms realize and fancy are close in meaning, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of fancy?

In some situations, the words think and fancy are roughly equivalent. However, think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

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 fancy
Adjective
Even your fancy cleaver can fit in the three-inch deep slots. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 So, instead of Jeff Bridges’ character, Kevin Flynn, disappearing into the digital arena, all those sleek vehicles and fancy Programs (like Leto’s Ares) could be 3D printed into existence. Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
If one of those trails doesn’t catch your fancy, there are plenty more. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025 But the Browns, with a 40-year-old quarterback, four offensive linemen signed only for this season and a defense that carries and fancies itself as one of the league’s best, know what things are supposed to look like and what the roadmap to success — even temporary success — has to be. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Not simply between humans, who fancy themselves the center of the universe, but between any living thing? Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 Trump's first term was plagued by internal sabotage from bureaucrats and agency officers who fancied themselves a coequal branch of government. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just don't glaze because that's heaping someone with excessive and insincere praise.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Typically, when there is an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease, Tennessee saw excessive rain in spring and early summer with dry coditions in late summer, the agency said.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Such dreams of prosperity are only permitted for so long.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Many people use this bag for makeup or toiletries—the multiple interior pouches and slots make organizing your cosmetics and bathroom essentials a dream.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than spending millions in a relentless quest to solve the problems wrought by Coors Field, the Rockies appear to have capitulated to its whims.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • One Battle also exemplifies where Hall’s career has taken her, which is to say across genres, moods, and Hollywood whims.
    Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bought an apple pie for backup in case this dump cake was not to our liking.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisped to your liking.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sources of succor and disquiet—currents which Winter has ridden in life and art—each female elder is a maternal presence who offers complementary textures to the tapestry Winter has woven from threads of experience and sheer imagination.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The house’s spectacle in Grand Palais and fashion show is rooted in technological, futuristic and artisanal imaginations, while experiencing a dichotomy with the reinvention of clothing, which carries a sensitive memory of the past — projecting a constellation of colors, codes and values.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Economist Pierre Azoulay and colleagues recently imagined an alternative history where NIH was 40% smaller and dispersed less money – a budget akin to current federal proposals.
    Ryan Summers, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • If people’s lives become intertwined after just a few months, imagine after 19 years together.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But not Rio who was seen enjoying a far more relaxed day.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Tourists are still enjoying Michigan's lineup of dynamic fall events amid Apple Month and Michigan Agritourism Month this October and are flexible to changing fall color patterns, said Nick Nerbonne, media and digital director for Travel Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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