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 The Debut is fantastic — Jesse Eisenberg keeps getting better with every film. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 Barbara Forever, a fantastic new documentary from director Brydie O’Connor (and produced by Christine Vachon’s Killer Films and Kristen Stewart), aims to introduce the filmmaker to a wider audience with help from Hammer herself. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 Nvidia shares jumped 4% after partner Dell posted a fantastic quarter. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 They accidentally get sucked into a portal that transports them to a fantastical world with a friendly weredog (Dave Franco) and a demon (Lea Salonga) that feeds on memories. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Saturday Night Live alum worked with Fey on that show and on his current romantic dramedy, Netflix’s The Four Seasons.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But though these chemicals are linked to mating in animal species, a link between pheromones and romantic attraction hasn’t been established in humans.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the footage, players follow the story of Jason and Lucia, a couple living in the fictional Vice City, who are picking up drugs, and their mission is thwarted by the police, who begin to raid the place.
    Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Claire Foy will also star in the film, playing a fictional reporter of The Sun that acts as a composite of various female reporters of the time period.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The space telescope hasn't just collected incredible data; its images have also given the general public a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of space.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The playable character models and even roaming NPCs feature incredible outfit details.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Appalachian Trail is absolutely brutal The distance alone is obviously absurd, but mileage is only part of what makes the AT such a beast.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The selection process does not judge whether a study is admirable or absurd, good or bad.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its primary location, on Exchange Street, is its top-performing retail outlet in the US, but the smaller Drover location is where the team measures for custom boots in exotic skins and dozens of color combinations.
    Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • With the exotic car market being higher than ever, many cars were sold at the RM Sotheby's Monterey auction for multimillion-dollar price tags.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Where travel still leaves room for people The goal isn't to return to some imaginary golden age of travel.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There isn’t even a drastic generational shift between that imaginary cast and this film’s actual one.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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