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 Meanwhile, historical epics reimagine Ming dynasty battalions fighting fantastical monsters, using special effects and visuals in ways that traditional production might find prohibitively expensive. Faye Bradley, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026 Her fantastic fourth album, Maitreya Corso, due on May 1, is a major step forward, a quirky, cozily organic, unceasingly melodic collection of Aimee Mann-worthy pop. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026 Those peppy pops of color nod to some of the property’s other fantastical details, like the life-size chess set found next to the hot tub out back. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026 Arnott’s especially skeptical of the premium prices awarded by investors expecting fantastic profits from AI. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • But some of the violations are anything but mundane, hiding records that might shed light on some of DeSantis’ most bizarre and offensive stunts.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This is no small feat, given that real-life Silicon Valley stories often seem too bizarre to be true.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Struggling in your creative or romantic life?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The couple first met in 2006 at the SAG Awards, when Silver was working as a makeup artist, and continued to cross paths throughout the years, building a professional relationship, which then turned romantic after his partner, Michelle Triola, died in 2009.
    Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His wife, played by Sedgwick, is his long-time star; Sosie and Travis play the fictional filmmaker’s kids, both of whom are working on his latest shoot in rural Texas.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The fictional ’90s sitcom star played by Lisa Kudrow has been around for three major shifts in the television industry.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But there is something so wonderful about being fifty and having your own job and having been through so many disappointments that a situation like this is filtered through different experiences and people—the narrator’s discernment has an incredible clarity.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Just an incredible environment.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Coast Guard is a huge piece of this puzzle, and to be able to see the Coast Guard come to realization is wonderful.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Something wonderful could drop into your lap in mid-June.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Shawn Hatosy is particularly feral here, injecting real menace into an otherwise absurd premise.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The deadpan one-liners exaggerating his strength, speed and toughness to absurd levels, turned Norris into one of the internet’s first global memes.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That may well drive new interest in reptiles and exotic animals, particularly as Repticon returns to Aurora, Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Dumas wrote his titular character as a man of mystique and a naturally charming presence capable of holding court with a wealth of tales from exotic locales.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bensley infuses his design with imaginary stories—in this case about adventurers, their steamer trunks emblazoned with fictitious initials.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Mom screams at Jane for being too old to have imaginary friends.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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