variants also fantastical
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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 Over at Metropolitan State University, the on-campus gallery is presenting works from five Twin Cities Latino artists working across paintings, puppetry, photography and more focused on bestiarios, or fantastical, mythical beasts. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 There’s a fantastic roster of people trained by leading consultancies like the Green Spark Group. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 Ward was fantastic during his last season in college, leading Miami back to national relevance. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025 Anisimova played some fantastic tennis at Wimbledon, and has continued to do so in New York. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • But upon Bennet’s arrival, things take a turn for the bizarre, when the wealthy tycoon builds himself a prison cell in the basement, in an apparent act of meditative penance that forces Blakey into an inversion of traditional power dynamics.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tasked with bringing into reality those that are a little further down on the bizarre end of the spectrum, the show’s prosthetics and VFX teams had their work cut out for them.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, and Ciara, along with Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters stars EJAE, REI AMI and Audrey Nuna, who make up the fictional group Huntr/x will serve as presenters throughout the evening.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Binge the autumn episodes or watch the whole thing again for the millionth time to enjoy a fictional fall getaway.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • He's been incredible with the Mets, and his power is almost impossible to replace.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Wolves have taken a bit of a gamble – could be incredible, could be a flop.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But if Julia’s delivery of her first child is about as wonderful as pushing a human out of your body can get — even the lighting is dreamy — her second child’s delivery is the exact opposite.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Morticia has this wonderful lighter look into the world as opposed to Wednesday.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the fanciful name, though, the structures are actually tombs.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • When people ask their AI copilot about you or your business, the system returns fanciful things which may be false.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Debbie Douglas is the Senior Director of Collections and the Curator of Science and Technology at the MIT Museum, a marvelous repository of physical items, materials and artifacts that tell a story of continual innovation and yes, the curiosity of humans over the last few generations.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Self-awareness and community are marvelous antidotes to the barrenness of conformity.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Steve Young lifts his arm, holding an imaginary football, preparing to throw.
    Seth Wickersham, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover, her five-letter titles refer to satellite navigation waypoints and fixes for aircraft flying in clouds or at night, that offer passage to imaginary locations defined by the interception of magnetic vectors drawn from the earth’s poles.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The openings can keep your feet cool or give you an excellent way to show off some eye-catching socks once the weather get cooler.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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