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
Maybe if they get rid of any trace of Harry and Meghan, then someone within the royal household will fancy it. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 The problem with Dolan, this person confided, was that the owner fancied himself knowledgeable about basketball. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • Christensen suggests the state should instead focus on stripping back environmental regulations that make brush clearance and fire prevention costly, which would ensure state firefighters are not working excessive overtime and the state budget is not being stretched beyond its means.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • Last September, the group published a 336-page report affirming that ABA should be included as a basic benefit under TRICARE, without the excessive administrative barriers that have disrupted treatment for children in military families.
    Jason Kane, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Being able to provide a more detailed origin on the label gives the producer a story to tell and lends the wine greater exclusivity.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • See below for a more detailed methodology.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Daeron Targaryen Daeron Targaryen, otherwise known as Daeron the Drunkard, is a bookish and melancholy Targaryen prince known for his prophetic dreams.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • An avant-garde sightseeing bus turns Hollywood into a stage, drawing locals for a mash-up of state history, gothic storytelling and public-intellectual riffing on the broken California dream.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The menu rotates based on the event's theme, or Graci's whims, but never fails to excite, with past flavors including Jalapeño Popper, Spinach & Artichoke, Chicago Beef and more.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Still, hopefully a string of successes can convince companies and investors that the whims of the president alone cannot tamp down on an entire burgeoning industry, an embarrassing thing to have to convince people of in the United States.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • If the butter yellow isn’t to your liking, there are 14 other colors to peruse, including baby blue, cherry red, and bubble gum pink.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
  • And that was much to his liking.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • In my imagination, writing and publishing the piece was a defense against the cardiac blues.
    Ben Lerner, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • Costco still owns the warehouse-club imagination in America.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • Adults can enjoy the spa, wine tastings, art classes, and live entertainment.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The blooms can also create issues for people who like to enjoy being in or near the water.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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