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
  • The bizarre Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Aquamarine alum and John, 36, married in a romantic ceremony in Sun Valley, Idaho, two years after announcing their engagement in July 2024.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
  • According to another arrest complaint, a third woman who had a long-term romantic relationship with Tristan Tate accused him of raping her at his apartment in Luton, England, on multiple occasions between April 2012 and December 2013.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 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
  • Head to the Southeast Reptile Expo to see a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians and other exotic pets, buy supplies for them and learn about caring for them responsibly.
    Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements.
    Sarah DiGregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Its Escape to Moominvalley exhibition, open through October 2026, examines how architecture, home and landscape shaped the imaginary world created by Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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