Definition of quixoticnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective quixotic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quixotic are chimerical, fanciful, fantastic, imaginary, and visionary. While all these words mean "unreal or unbelievable," quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense.

a quixotic crusade

How does the word chimerical relate to other synonyms for quixotic?

Chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic.

chimerical dreams of future progress

When can fanciful be used instead of quixotic?

The words fanciful and quixotic can be used in similar contexts, but fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination.

a teller of fanciful stories

When would fantastic be a good substitute for quixotic?

While the synonyms fantastic and quixotic are close in meaning, fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief.

a fantastic world inhabited by monsters

When is imaginary a more appropriate choice than quixotic?

The meanings of imaginary and quixotic largely overlap; however, imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination.

an imaginary desert isle

When is it sensible to use visionary instead of quixotic?

While in some cases nearly identical to quixotic, visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization.

visionary schemes

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 quixotic Benefits of Custom Curtains in Modern Interiors Busy professionals love coming home to a modern space that is calming and closes the quixotic world outside the front door. Gretchen M. Stone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026 Those performances seemed to put an end to questions about whether her ambitions for a medal in Cortina were real or a quixotic quest. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026 The Luddites are back, wrecking technology in a quixotic effort to stop progress. Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 In the end, Dylan circles back to the quixotic nature of the task of describing Willie Nelson. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quixotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quixotic
Adjective
  • Calgary, Alberta The third-largest city by population in Canada, Calgary offers a vibrant destination for literary enthusiasts that is a refreshing change of pace from the often sleepy, romantic bookish towns.
    Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The Colleen Hoover adaptation is shaping up to be a modest hit for the studio, which spent $25 million on the romantic drama.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The creator notes the concept suits cabins, RVs, and off-grid structures particularly well — anywhere grid ties are impractical or expensive.
    Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Stylists also caution against looks that feel overly themed or impractical.
    Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Kornev is young and infused with an idealistic zeal, refusing to let these goons stonewall him.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The messenger – idealistic French emigré, Charles Darnay (François Civil) – is arrested and charged with treason.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This area, which is home to utopian-sounding towns like Thanksgiving Point and American Fork, has more plastic surgeons per capita than Los Angeles, according to a 2017 report published by the Utah Women & Leadership Project.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But although these years saw a crisis of the old order and a profusion of utopian or apocalyptic egalitarian thinking, it was still organized around theological rather than economic ideas.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quixotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quixotic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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