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 Well, even though Ted Lasso isn’t coaching the Current, the new season is fantastic for KC, which is featured heavily in the season premiere. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Thorbjornsen's name has been penciled in, although he's been sneakily fantastic in his short PGA Tour career. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 All the dishes were fantastic, but the red pepper goat, which can be served in a wrap, over rice or on a plate with crispy potatoes and slaw, was my favorite, and the honey jerk whole wings were another standout. Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Speculator and the surrounding area have some fantastic camping opportunities, too. Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her videos were outrageous and conspiratorial, and the more elaborate and bizarre her stories became, the more people online were drawn to her.
    Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • People think of intimacy in a romantic sense, but the relationships artists have with the people in their corner in the industry is also really intimate.
    Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Fitoussi has outfitted Collins in chic and romantic silhouettes using vintage finds, bold prints and high-end designer pieces.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas will all reprise their roles as the fictional Gray brothers in the band Connect 3, with comedian Sherry Cola also joining the cast.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Bud Billiken, the page’s fictional editor/mascot described as the guardian and protector of children, was invented by Abbott and the Defender’s executive editor Lucius Harper.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Below, shop nine incredible beauty products straight from her shelf and prepare to get healthy, smooth, and absolutely glowing skin.
    Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Esponda almost came off the beam on two occasions, but showed incredible fight to salvage the routine.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The show explores the darkly absurd side of modern-day male friendship.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Just absurd, and all happening in his first full season in the majors.
    Matt Piper, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These exotic forms of metal alloys are not as regular as crystals, but not amorphous like glass, which gives them unusual properties.
    Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There’s Tom Crutchfield, who loves women with the ardor of Pepé Le Pew but spends most of his time not in pursuit of the ladies but of exotic snakes, lizards, alligators, turtles and whatnot.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Argentinian prairie is adorned with imaginary houses, castles and theatres as the young girls construct spontaneous, invisible cities, stories and games in which Koberidze’s likewise unseen characters could live.
    Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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