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 That is what would make this such a fantastic story if OBJ does make the team, of course. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 For half the price (or less), a fantastic and long-lasting minor-league stadium could be erected, perhaps as a jewel in the middle of a shopping, dining and nightlife district as Daytona Beach is trying to create. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 Regardless, with fall just ahead of us, this month provides a fantastic opportunity to reflect, and plan for your next growing season all while the weather is still on your side! Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 Regarding new arrivals, Rodri is ruled out for Sunday's match, training individually, but Joao Cancelo is deemed ready and could feature against Elche, with Flick highlighting his fantastic technique and offensive prowess. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • After meeting with a young, female director, who offers him the chance to play a bizarre and deeply unsympathetic character in her debut feature, Niaz leaves the audition unconvinced (and pretty offended).
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Barring anything bizarre unfolding in the next few weeks, Smack will almost certainly be the Packers’ Week 1 kicker in Minnesota.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • It Brizé’s fourth time in competition at Venice after the Fipresci Prize winning A Woman’s Life as well as Another World and romantic interlude Out of Season, starring Guillaume Canet and Rohrwacher.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore a Washington Post investigation found nearly 50 cases of officers charged with or accused of misusing the cameras, many involving tracking current or former romantic partners.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The first season was filmed in Wales and set in the fictional North Wales village of Morfa Halen.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This is where the creation of the aforementioned fictional Barrow’s Green came about, which eventually came to life in the form of The Six Bells Inn.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Spread across four floors (including an incredible rooftop terrace), this is a spacious home located in the center of Essaouira’s medina and its art galleries.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Then that incredible precision vanished for an inning — and just an inning.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The roster might as well be an All-Star team, and this pitching staff is absurd.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The very idea of a trade war with Canada — our neighbor, our ally, our closest friend, a nation that’s peaceful and whose people have a reputation for kindness — is absurd.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Turning electrons into a particle-hunting beam The GlueX experiment is built to investigate exotic mesons, particularly particles in which gluons—the particles that carry the strong nuclear force—may play a direct role.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman throws out his share of exotic looks at practice, which forces Mensah to be on his toes.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Out on a wooden platform extending over San Diego’s Mission Bay, young women sway from side to side, riding an imaginary wave to the beats.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Just before the pandemic, Manhattan’s MCC Theater staged a show called All the Natalie Portmans, about a gay Black teenage cinephile who envisions the actor as a kind of manic pixie imaginary friend.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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