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 And do use this stay as a crash course in Viennese wines—they’re fantastic, many of which are sourced from the vineyards around the city, such as the Pinot Noir from Clemens Strobl, just 50km up the Danube. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 Jet and Frances live in a fantastic house with a massive garden, eat ice cream for breakfast, and are as committed to dramatic eyeliner as Jennifer Lopez is to a nude lip. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 While this might seem fantastic for your weekend plans, note that this rush will come with wind — and that wind could be a problem on its own. Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Now, with Zedd’s production and Candy Crush’s fantastical Candy Country setting, Twain sees the light of another beautiful chapter for the classic. Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The bizarre explanation brought an end to an episode that generated widespread attention online after Pierre initially accused the courier of stealing the order.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • An exhausting, head-spinning and often downright silly offseason is officially over after college football really kicked off on Thursday (after the always bizarre Week 0 last weekend).
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The couple, who went Instagram official last month, shared a series of snaps from their romantic vacation together.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The romantic silhouette, especially in that shade of purple, was eye-catching, certainly a standout fashion moment on the red carpet that night.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The name traces back to Mary Jane, a fictional character in Richard Felton Outcault’s Buster Brown comic strip which debuted in 1902, who often appeared wearing the now iconic shoe style.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But while the series is set in a fictional New England island community, many of its recognizable sights can be found just an hour north of Boston in Rockport, Massachusetts.
    Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In finishing 27 for 30 for 401 yards, Mensah went an incredible 12 for 14 on passes thrown 10 yards or more.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The best form of flattery is imitation, and Robert Pattinson does an incredible impression of Chris Hansen for A24’s new movie, Primetime.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The English dialogue for these films was often absurd and barely coherent, written to conform to the movements of the actors’ mouths.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Correa’s contract contains a full no-trade clause, though any thought of the Astros moving him seems absurd.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Monkeys, tigers, exotic birds destined for the pet trade or as trophies, reptiles and sea cucumbers prized for food and medicine all pass through the region's airports and border crossings, according to officials with the network.
    John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Having the good fortune to be present at a musical revolution’s ground zero, Hynde’s exotic American watched her British pals quickly turn into first-gen punk legends and form the Damned, the Sex Pistols, the Slits, the Clash.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Sazan is a rugged place—strewn with rocks and tangles of trees, populated by a large colony of rats, and studded with bunkers built by the Marxist dictator Enver Hoxha to defend against an imaginary invasion.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • David extended a hand toward me (imaginary attacks by slow, handshake-wielding maniacs are a martial arts class staple).
    Johanna Stein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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