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 meant using practical effects as much as possible in place of CGI, so that the mythical elements of the story never seemed too fantastic. Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026 The attack wasn’t great, but Mikel Merino was a fantastic failsafe. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 In various stories, the transformation step can often be fantastical, such as when a superhero gains new powers. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 20 July 2026 Wool also makes a fantastic mulch that feeds the soil, retains water, and keeps plants from drying out during hot weather and dry spells. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • But at the end of this bizarre game in Miami, this silly 6-4 thriller, this giddy attacking exhibition of some of the world’s best players, and some of the world’s worst defending, England were on the winning side.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Southwest’s bizarre seat assignments and enforcement policies may have had operational roots, but customers assumed the worst.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • But just as she was meant to be a romantic gesture from Louis to Lestat, these three figures serve a purpose as well.
    Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Avoid power struggles, especially related to kids and romantic partners.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than shattering the illusion, the heroine invents an increasingly elaborate fictional life to protect her mother — and, ultimately, herself.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • Her feature-length films include the documentaries The factory is full (2012) and Shores (2015), and the fictional feature Pawn Street (2017).
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 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
  • And this World Cup was about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and all of Spain’s wonderful passers.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To be in, like, the very first episode to the last, a show that is now being spun off to other stories, that is so wonderful.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • That’s absurd for a company generating $14 billion in yearly free cash flow.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Still, despite all these exotic maneuvers and locations, in the end, the optimal place to see an eclipse is wherever one can be seen.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026
  • During a vacation, taking photos isn’t exclusive to cultural landmarks, architectural wonders, and plates of exotic cuisine.
    Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Her function in the movie is less goddess and more imaginary friend.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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