variants also fantastical
Definition of fantasticnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fantastic different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and grotesque are common synonyms of fantastic. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When is it sensible to use bizarre instead of fantastic?

The meanings of bizarre and fantastic largely overlap; however, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Where would grotesque be a reasonable alternative to fantastic?

Although the words grotesque and fantastic have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

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 fantastic During the 2026 racing season, a fantastic filly named Counting Stars has been quite celestial and is shining as bright as any three-year-old currently, regardless of gender. Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The business of Bourdain-ing a fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been taken over by influencers (to mixed results). Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 Mistakes to Avoid Using yogurt to introduce beneficial microbes and calcium to your soil is a fantastic way to improve your tomatoes’ health. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026 Think of it as a fantastical journey inside the athlete's head. Chloe Veltman, NPR, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The bizarre Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Aquamarine alum and John, 36, married in a romantic ceremony in Sun Valley, Idaho, two years after announcing their engagement in July 2024.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
  • According to another arrest complaint, a third woman who had a long-term romantic relationship with Tristan Tate accused him of raping her at his apartment in Luton, England, on multiple occasions between April 2012 and December 2013.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • It is set in Mano Majra, a fictional village on the new frontier between India and Pakistan, where Sikh and Muslim families have lived together peacefully for generations.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • Joanne Miller is a fictional agent who in the film leads the manhunt for the adult Ted and uses the words in the Unabomber’s manifesto to track him down.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • For kids and teens, this can be an incredible way to experience the world up close and personal with the familiarity and comfort that comes from your hotel traveling with you.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The night sky has incredible depth, and there's nowhere better to learn how to appreciate that than when gazing at the Summer Triangle.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Open the requisition on a Monday and the number is already absurd.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Their air of slightly absurd quasi-spontaneity is nicely amplified by the jittery yet unobtrusive rhythms of the direction and Yost’s editing.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Head to the Southeast Reptile Expo to see a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians and other exotic pets, buy supplies for them and learn about caring for them responsibly.
    Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements.
    Sarah DiGregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Its Escape to Moominvalley exhibition, open through October 2026, examines how architecture, home and landscape shaped the imaginary world created by Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Anyway, Will Venable has my imaginary vote, though Mike Vasil's wizardry might be the bigger reason why the White Sox are rolling.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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