fantasy 1 of 2

variants also phantasy
Definition of fantasynext
1
2
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others the painter gave free rein to his fantasy to create pictures that capture the kind of reality we experience only in our dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in fiction
something that is the product of the imagination we were coming to the conclusion that the person Karen "saw" in the woods was another one of her fantasies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fantasy

2 of 2

verb

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 fantasy
Noun
As part of Progressive’s Backup campaign, DeVito surprised one, well, unlucky fan who had the fantasy football punishment of having to set up a lemonade stand in freezing cold Boston for a day. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026 As an actor, landing a role like this can feel like a fantasy. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026 Benedict’s obsession with the fantasy of his Lady in Silver begins to give way to the reality of Sophie the maid (who may not know how to dance, but sure as heck knows way more than any other maid he’s ever met), and the pair begin to fall in serious love. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026 Some people have turned to prediction markets or fantasy football sites to scratch the Super Bowl betting urge, KTLA reported. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantasy
Noun
  • When the kids find a cave full of silver, Ollie’s dreams seem suddenly within reach, and an Old West adventure to claim the riches ensues.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Like a lot of musicians, Aleister has to navigate an existence filled with booze, weed, groupies, the spotlight, entitled rock stars, family members who don’t understand the dream, and band dynamics.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And all the teachers were social documentary still photographers and filmmakers, reminding me that there is as much drama in what is and what was as anything that the human imagination dreams up.
    NBC news, NBC news, 1 Feb. 2026
  • In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In recent stories and this new novel, Saunders’s fiction has begun to feel both darker and a bit frustrated, spiritually and artistically.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • That's a remarkably wide release for a documentary — a film form which rarely exerts the same box office pull as fiction features — meaning Melania will be easier to see on the big screen than most docs.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bagehot and other upholders of depoliticizing enchantments could not have imagined a scenario in which Andrew, once second in line for the throne, and Larry Summers, a former Ivy League president hailed as one of America’s leading public intellectuals, are caught up in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Some of that was real, some of it was exaggerated, some of it was just imagined — and all of it became a potent, highly motivating political narrative.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Everything that appears normal is an illusion, a bigger lie than The Big Lie.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The creative team includes movement by Steven Hoggett, sets by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry and illusions by Jamie Harrison.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Create Shadow Art Shadow art is a great way to lean into Groundhog Day while also letting kids express their own creativity.
    Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Able to operate across the midfield, the 23-year-old would provide bite and physicality during Joelinton’s ongoing injury absence, while also offering creativity in attack, which Newcastle have lacked, especially in away matches.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For a cautionary tale, look no further than Kraft Heinz, formed by a mega-merger in 2015.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The series, the tale of a wealthy family forced to start from scratch in the middle-of-nowhere town of the title, amassed a cult following during the pandemic.
    Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The society envisions public events featuring speakers and workshops that focus on wellness and community for people of all ages.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Close your eyes and try to envision Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a tandem.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fantasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantasy. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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