1
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
decided they would rather go without dinner than pay the hotel restaurant's fancy prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
we're having a little get-together after the concert—nothing fancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
a writer with a prodigious talent for creating fancies that captivate readers young and old
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action
is this a serious interest in music, or just your latest fancy that will be forgotten after a week?
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in liking
positive regard for something
now that he's rich he's taken a fancy to expensive sports cars
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
1
as in to imagine
to form a mental picture of
try to fancy, if you can, our mother on an elephant when she was touring India
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to enjoy
to take pleasure in
the teacher didn't fancy the idea of failing the student, even if he was the class clown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fancy
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2026
Whether as a monolithic mirror or a fancy interferometric array, the telescope would be so big that relativistic effects would come into play.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2026
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
If beachcombing or tide pooling strikes your fancy, there’s a set of Helly Hansen raincoats, waterproof pants, and umbrellas in the closet.
—Jennie Nunn, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
Gronk makes his game prediction Boise State may be coming into Saturday’s game as an underdog by over a touchdown, but Gronkowski fancies the Broncos’ chances.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fancy
Adjective
The reverse side, which typically shows another dial, a fancy movement, or elaborate engraving, has been left blank so the wearer can customize it.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2026
Whether as a monolithic mirror or a fancy interferometric array, the telescope would be so big that relativistic effects would come into play.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
The formula also includes Persian silk tree extract, a fancy-sounding ingredient that speeds up your skin’s healing process, resulting in a brighter, fresher complexion.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
If beachcombing or tide pooling strikes your fancy, there’s a set of Helly Hansen raincoats, waterproof pants, and umbrellas in the closet.
—Jennie Nunn, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
In the years following, Francesca and John's cousin Michael Stirling, who always fancied her, grow closer, and eventually their relationship progresses from friendship to courtship.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
Gronk makes his game prediction Boise State may be coming into Saturday’s game as an underdog by over a touchdown, but Gronkowski fancies the Broncos’ chances.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
-
The city is already in trouble because of excessive debt.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Austin police officers will soon be able to fine motorists up to $500 for excessive engine noise following a unanimous Austin City Council vote Thursday.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This detailed build also includes a commemorative armored Batman minifigure and a special golden coin built right into the cockpit, which marks 20 years of Lego Batman builds.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
-
These free-of-charge, 5 to 7-hour workshops include hands-on sessions and detailed security training regarding proper handling of the Sample Disks.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But often those intentions stumble into a political quagmire where democratic dreams turn into civil war, once-compliant dictators become embarrassments and American soldiers return home in body bags.—
Tim Sullivan,
Fortune,
1 Mar. 2026
-
With a lemon cookie crust and sweet lemon curd topping, this cheesecake really is a dream.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Living in the White House is usually made easy by all of the staff who work to deliver on any presidential whim—maybe a little mayhem is good for the people in power.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
26 Feb. 2026
-
These guardrails exist to ensure trade policy is grounded in evidence and congressional intent rather than presidential whim.—
Mohammad N. Elahee,
Hartford Courant,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There aren't nearly enough pirate shows on TV for our liking, but this swashbuckling adventure drama more than scratches that itch.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
-
With his James Bond 1990 vibe, Colin is the partner one instinctively prefers, unless one has a natural liking for Eagle Scout types.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Developing her personal relationship with Jesus took real imagination and practice.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Upon entering any art gallery or museum, visitors are consenting to having their imaginations stimulated with new concepts, designs and suggestions.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Around here, the distance from driveway to destiny feels close enough to imagine.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
-
This one is imagined with a rosy, lychee element that reads as pink, inviting, juicy—and absolutely signature scent worthy.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Both experts recommended sticking only to high-quality fresh or pasteurized eggs and enjoying Italian coffee in moderation.—
Eleesha Lockett,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The protests in Nepal last year revealed the extent of young people’s frustration with corruption and a lack of opportunity in the country, where around a fifth of young adults are unemployed, but where the children of the political elite seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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