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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 Tina Fey’s The Four Seasons is less zany than her previous TV work, but still delivers solid laughs, beautiful locations and a fantastic cast. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 1 May 2025 Pareek’s fantastic results highlight the importance of close collaboration between hardware and software teams for delivering products that are not only functional but also efficient and scalable. William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Frederik Andersen has been fantastic manning the goal for Carolina through the first two games, allowing only one goal in each. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 This revival soars in large part due to its fantastic cast, especially Pierce, Barasch, Monsoon, and Ramin Karimloo, playing the Pirate King. Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The presentation starts with teaching the compliment sandwich technique, but quickly goes off the rails as the participants ask more bizarre questions.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Heti’s writing is witty, reflective, and just bizarre enough to capture your interest even as people mill about in your peripheral vision.
    Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Also surmised by the movie trailer is that the plot surrounds fictional driver Sonny Hayes, played by actor Brad Pitt.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2025
  • Focus Features Papal conclaves have inspired several books and films Released in 2024, the movie Conclave, based on the 2016 novel of the same name, focuses on the fictional death of a Pope and the subsequent election process.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dina’s hair looks incredible the entire time, by the way.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Boom, out of nowhere, the enterprising AI developer comes up with an incredible breakthrough, doing so around year 13 or 14.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Washington Capitals, won 4-1 against Montreal Last week: 7 Sean: 4 Dom: 9 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a fine first round, but zero goals and two assists were still a step down from his wonderful regular season.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Big, wonderful, funny, horrible, strange, sad, great life.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, a fanciful title charge would collapse in November and early December in a period where Spurs picked up one point from five league matches.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Glancing at goals specifically, catching Erling Haaland’s unprecedented 36 in one campaign looks fanciful.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Two genial Hollywood stars enter a small town in Wales, boost the local soccer club and shepherd it to marvelous success.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • What do people get wrong about Rio and what’s the moment on your tour when people feel that marvelous magic crack through their fear?
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • New York is a realm of fantasy and myth, obsession and resentment, fear and bewilderment for many who’ve never set foot in it; and many who live here also purvey and perpetuate some version of the imaginary city.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025
  • The imaginary elements of the story — the witches, and the university — stem from growing up with my father, and reading novels by Julio Verne and Emilio Salgari.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
  • That means that barring a massive night by Brunson -- who is dealing with two excellent perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White -- the Celtics should be able to not only win, but cover, for the second game in a row.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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