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 fantastical realm is filled with the same zombie-like enemies from the first demo. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Yes, fantastic fighting games can come from any region; just look at the very American Mortal Kombat. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026 Specifically, the Melrose Place Body Cleanser, which leaves your skin baby-soft and smelling fantastic all day long. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 11 Aug. 2026 Shopping secondhand is a fantastic way to save money and reduce environmental waste, all while scoring beautiful pieces that feel extra special and unique, too. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • But Ecuadorian authorities have remained mostly silent about the bizarre incidents.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • People think of intimacy in a romantic sense, but the relationships artists have with the people in their corner in the industry is also really intimate.
    Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Fitoussi has outfitted Collins in chic and romantic silhouettes using vintage finds, bold prints and high-end designer pieces.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Blending documentary and fictional elements, directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw pay homage to the remarkable and charming people whose zest for life shapes and preserves this unique region and its centuries-old culture.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One is usually informational, and one is a fictional read for fun.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Spot an incredible variety of wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles and puffins.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • What excited us about the Daisy Chain Reaction was the opportunity to give Olivia Rodrigo’s incredible community of fans that extra invitation to take that first step.
    Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and amplifier of the most absurd of MAGA’s many election-denying claims, was defeated convincingly in his bid for the GOP nomination for governor.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Those black rectangles in Study for a Black Drawing are absurd attempts at the ideal void.
    Aaron Fagan, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These exotic forms of metal alloys are not as regular as crystals, but not amorphous like glass, which gives them unusual properties.
    Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There’s Tom Crutchfield, who loves women with the ardor of Pepé Le Pew but spends most of his time not in pursuit of the ladies but of exotic snakes, lizards, alligators, turtles and whatnot.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Argentinian prairie is adorned with imaginary houses, castles and theatres as the young girls construct spontaneous, invisible cities, stories and games in which Koberidze’s likewise unseen characters could live.
    Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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