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 That is what would make this such a fantastic story if OBJ does make the team, of course. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 For half the price (or less), a fantastic and long-lasting minor-league stadium could be erected, perhaps as a jewel in the middle of a shopping, dining and nightlife district as Daytona Beach is trying to create. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 Regardless, with fall just ahead of us, this month provides a fantastic opportunity to reflect, and plan for your next growing season all while the weather is still on your side! Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 Regarding new arrivals, Rodri is ruled out for Sunday's match, training individually, but Joao Cancelo is deemed ready and could feature against Elche, with Flick highlighting his fantastic technique and offensive prowess. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Saturday Night Live alum worked with Fey on that show and on his current romantic dramedy, Netflix’s The Four Seasons.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But though these chemicals are linked to mating in animal species, a link between pheromones and romantic attraction hasn’t been established in humans.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The first season was filmed in Wales and set in the fictional North Wales village of Morfa Halen.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This is where the creation of the aforementioned fictional Barrow’s Green came about, which eventually came to life in the form of The Six Bells Inn.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The space telescope hasn't just collected incredible data; its images have also given the general public a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of space.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The playable character models and even roaming NPCs feature incredible outfit details.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The roster might as well be an All-Star team, and this pitching staff is absurd.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The very idea of a trade war with Canada — our neighbor, our ally, our closest friend, a nation that’s peaceful and whose people have a reputation for kindness — is absurd.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its primary location, on Exchange Street, is its top-performing retail outlet in the US, but the smaller Drover location is where the team measures for custom boots in exotic skins and dozens of color combinations.
    Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • With the exotic car market being higher than ever, many cars were sold at the RM Sotheby's Monterey auction for multimillion-dollar price tags.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Where travel still leaves room for people The goal isn't to return to some imaginary golden age of travel.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There isn’t even a drastic generational shift between that imaginary cast and this film’s actual one.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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