variants also fantastical
1
2
3
4
5

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 new Rivian version is fantastic. Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 Across almost 20 novels, the British author spun fantastical tales with unsentimental wit, infusing his work with darkly morbid humor, blithe child endangerment, rotten and antagonistic adults, and a willingness to occasionally laugh at the misfortune of others. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025 Woolen made the Pro Bowl after a fantastic rookie campaign with six interceptions, 16 passes deflected, and over 60 tackles. Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 His ball placement is fantastic. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • In the film, Credenza runs the bizarre amusement park of Twitlandia alongside her husband — delighting in dirty pranks, filth and cruelty along the way.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • However, an anonymous NFL general manager has urged the team to target a bizarre position instead.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Blending fictional stories with real historical figures and events, the show captures the promise and pain of the American dream, exploring themes of race, class and identity that continue to resonate decades later.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That’s on top of the other revenue streams, such as sponsorship deals for the fictional APXGP team.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Reykjavik—famous for its incredible local cuisine, colorful architecture, and easy access to Iceland’s many natural wonders—also took the top spot in last year’s report.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The eerie moments of darkness by day and the awe-inspiring sight of the corona are what make a total eclipse experience so incredible.
    Maya Silver, Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • She's been gone for over 20 years, and so to win this for a soap opera, playing a villain, is really wonderful.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Some, like the two headlining Christie’s upcoming Rare Watches auction in Geneva, have wonderful horological anomalies that set them apart from more run-of-the-mill references.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the cast is similarly sleepwalking through a fanciful pantomime of Southern culture rather than a serious drama.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The second and more fanciful rescue comes some months later, after Wilbur has outgrown the Arables’ farm and settled into a bigger one down the road.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a marvelous, fun-loving year for you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • As one of the largest intact stretches of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests, Congaree National Park is marvelous in any season.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, specific local conditions vary on either side of that imaginary line.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Now draw an imaginary line diagonally through the Dipper's bowl from Dubhe (the upper right star in the bowl) down through Phecda (the lower left star in the bowl) and extend that line downward about twice the distance between those two stars and that will bring you to the vicinity of Cor Caroli.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Steelers will have an opportunity to get back on track against an excellent Green Bay Packers squad next Sunday, before playing the Indianapolis Colts two days before the NFL trade deadline.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That’s because tipping isn’t in their culture, but Americans still might wish to add gratuity for excellent service.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!