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 Ben Rice was fantastic for the Yankees, going 4-for-5 with two homers and six RBI. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 The conversation opened with thoughts about how horror has always been a space where filmmakers can take creative swings, experiment with form and push boundaries to do all kinds of fantastic work. — William Earl, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026 Although Andrew is leaving the FBI in order to return to his family in Missouri, his fantastic contribution instituting critical reforms which resulted in our historic success will live on. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • In a bizarre way, meeting the late, great Lynch — whom Watts did an impeccable impression of, pretend cigarette and all — was almost like therapy for the actress, who landed that breakout role at the age of 31.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026
  • In 2018, Entertainment Weekly wrote an oral history of the bizarre entertainment at the 1989 gala.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The 30-year-old actress, who was named the Chinese brand ambassador for Kors last March, made her acting debut at 10 and has played numerous roles in historical, fantasy and romantic dramas.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Rosalía has a little more time for romantic strolls these days, too.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Neon plans a 2027 theatrical release under the Creative Commons license for the open-source horror film based on a fictional secretive organization that keeps supernatural items and other harmful entities away from the public.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With its setting in the fictional prairie town of Saint-Legal, the film takes inspiration from Ng’s small-town Alberta upbringing.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Nearby Priego de Córdoba has some lovely tapas spots and fruit and vegetable stands with incredible fresh produce.
    — Alicia Sanchez, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests have access to the wonderful 18-hole course next door.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With the Moon in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership zone, affection could feel wonderful one minute and intrusive the next.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Ambitious mukbang-ers eager to prove their gastronomic stamina descended on Red Lobster locations across the country to consume absurd quantities of shrimp.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When things get too absurd or heavy, a one liner pops in and Olesen knows how to do the set up, and then, the mic drop.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On one version, exotic feathers blossomed like tropical flowers on the satin thong mule, in arresting colors like electric blue.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Ace Combat series has been delivering high-flying dogfighting action for 30 years now, and the latest chapter promises state-of-the-art graphics and exotic new weapons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Forte_Forte For spring 2027, Giada Forte embarked on an imaginary journey inspired by the Spice Route, combining nods to destinations from Venice to Egypt to Morocco.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Stewart smiled while on her way to the bench as the ESPN broadcast highlighted Jonquel Jones stirring an imaginary pot on the sidelines.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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