fancy 1 of 3

Definition of fancynext

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
This was really fancy schmancy. Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026 Wear it open for a laidback vibe, or closed for fancier outings. Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Noun
Peruse the shelves for a flavor (or two) that fits your fancy. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 Dad, an upstate New York doctor who found the idea of fashion publishing fancy beyond his comprehension, was blown away by her humility. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Verb
Few teams will fancy their chances against the co-host, which was so well supported by the home crowd. Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 At the lower end of the survey’s spectrum and considerably more balanced sits marijuana regulation, with only 31% of respondents considering the topic to be important for people to understand, and 23% of respondents fancying themselves as highly informed on the matter. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • Although not always the case, excessive heat warnings usually coincide with heat waves.
    Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • This does not diminish concerns about excessive screen time or the value of reducing distractions during the school day.
    Ulrich Boser, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Attached to it is a giant camera capable of capturing a new, detailed image roughly every 40 seconds, combining speed, sensitivity and an exceptionally wide field of view unmatched by any other ground- or space-based telescope.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • At Moderna's Science Day last Thursday, Cramer said the company presented a detailed roadmap for the next decade that highlighted its growing cancer pipeline alongside newer vaccine programs beyond its Covid franchise.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • With so much else to rebuild, a baseball season in 2026 seemed like more than a dream.
    Bo Evans, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Their dream houses have ocean views, swimming pools and four or more bedrooms, which may be hard to find.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The butler service goes above and beyond, catering to your whims including in-room dining (available 24 hours a day for butler suite guests) dropping off bug spray to the room, organizing your clothes into the closet upon arrival, and will even pick you up for dinner in style.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
  • Britain has experienced major blows to investment and productivity, a historic surge in annual net migration, and—shorn of the diplomatic heft of a united Europe and subject to the whims of a bullying Trump—a geopolitical humbling.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump has aggressively pushed for lower interest rates, repeatedly berating former Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not decreasing borrowing costs to the president’s liking.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Add the greens and/or vegetables, in stages as necessary, and toss in the garlicky oil, then add the sauce and cook to your liking, stirring frequently.
    Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The beautiful Grace Kelly captured the world's attention and imagination (and still does) for decades, but no one was more enamored by the actress than Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
    Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026
  • No one was worried about screentime, and teachers didn't have to battle phones and short attention spans to capture their students' imaginations.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The show’s dramatic romance and journey of self-growth seems to fit in line with something Austen would’ve imagined for her characters.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • Surprisingly, buyers' favorite colors this year go beyond plain white, with certain hues helping rooms feel larger, calmer, and easier to imagine living in.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • India’s government, which has long leveraged a hard line on Pakistan for domestic political advantage, enjoyed a rally-around-the-flag effect that gave it a useful boost one year after a worse-than-expected performance in national elections.
    Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026
  • Away from basketball, the two players enjoy plenty of interests.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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