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 In recent years, headlines about the country focused on the scale of its ambition, or the fantastical giga-projects girding Vision 2030, the full-steam-ahead drive to remake the kingdom into a business and entertainment powerhouse. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Appleton produces some other fantastic expressions, including a 17-year-old that came out a few years ago and a remarkable rum aged for 51 years, but the Hearts Collection remains the pinnacle of the portfolio. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026 Airing for eight seasons between 1964 and 1972, the fantastical series followed the daily adventures of a powerful witch who attempted to live as a typical suburban housewife alongside her mortal husband. — Justine Fisher, PEOPLE, 12 Oct. 2026 And in Alaska, Miss Peltola is doing a fantastic job in arguing the case. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Creating a licensing body is not a bizarre idea in a world where the FAA determines the airworthiness of planes and banks must pass stress tests to operate.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • From bizarre medical tests to a mass phobia of beans, here are 14 surprising facts that reveal just how inventive, eccentric, and fascinating the ancient Greeks really were.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Once a farrier's shop, Bygones Cocktail Bar, centered on a horseshoe bar, has romantic lighting, cocktails executed with joy and delight, and a laissez-faire atmosphere.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • And the cliffside cocktail bars provide a romantic stage where tourists gather for each Santorini sunset.
    — Rick Steves, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Gascón will play Manuela, a teacher in an elite school, and Ituño the the role of Evita, the personal secretary to the prime minister of the series’ fictional country.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The series takes place during the fictional two-term Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s crafted by these incredible artists and craftsmen who build the world with their own hands.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Ditka died Friday at age 86, and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh both recalled incredible stories about the Chicago Bears legend.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This episode notably lacked any nod to Trump, though mentions of the president as a whole have been brief compared to the previous season, when the president was the show’s focal point for absurd antics.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And Saturday’s win proved that his plan to pursue championships — something that seemed absurd amid a lost 2025 season — has a real possibility of paying off with one.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Another interesting direction is canvas bags paired with exotic-leather pouches, creating a contrast between materials and textures.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • And the script grounded the story in themes that were immediately recognizable, despite its exotic settings.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This comes after the league rescinded fines levied against 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson for pretending to chug an imaginary drink.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Still, her father’s dinner does not erase his refusal to recognize her gender; his refusal does not make the dinner or hospital bill imaginary.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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