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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 writing in this episode is fantastic, and the filming of it is unusual for a Chicago Fire episode. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 Its picture is fantastic, rivaling the Samsung S95D and many high-end LED TVs in brightness but with more accurate colors. PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 The Standard Model is a fantastic theory that handles the statistics of what things are doing. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2025 Embarrassing Brighton for a third time this season by finishing above them would be a fantastic way to go from despondency after a rough start to delirium in May. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • This is just one in a series of bizarre events that unfolded on the afternoon of April 19, according to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Even more bizarre was the depth the starlight's dip changed with every transit.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The star and executive producer briefly revived the series in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois, two decades later in March 2018.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Known to millions as Mr. Johnson, the delightfully offbeat and endlessly wise custodian of Philadelphia’s most charming fictional school, Davis has turned what began as a recurring spot into an award-winning, fan-favorite presence.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • American Express and Chase both have incredible travel rewards programs that offer a wide variety of redemptions and exceptional value.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And a huge thank you to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York for this incredible honor.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Apr. 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
  • In the early 1920s, tens of thousands of people across the United States, many of whom had never set foot in Florida, made down payments on unbuilt lots in the Sunshine State, lured in by fanciful brochures and fast-talking salespeople.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Its cream background is overlaid with fanciful doodles of oranges, farfalle pasta, wine, playing cards, and other feel-good finds that emphasize the beauty found in the ordinary.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 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
  • This means flopping through different symbolic rooms of an imaginary house — a schtick that Danielle Deadwyler also had to do for the same reason in The Woman in the Yard, a movie that might still be playing when Thunderbolts* hits the cineplex.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The deeper themes about race and history and culture, as well as the sheer terror and excitement, all feed audiences craving to confront our demons and fears, but in a safe imaginary setting – all the more important when those fears increasingly stalk the daytime for so many people.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space.
    Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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