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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fabulous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fabulous are apocryphal, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When is apocryphal a more appropriate choice than fabulous?

While the synonyms apocryphal and fabulous are close in meaning, apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

Where would fictitious be a reasonable alternative to fabulous?

The words fictitious and fabulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When might legendary be a better fit than fabulous?

The meanings of legendary and fabulous largely overlap; however, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

When could mythical be used to replace fabulous?

Although the words mythical and fabulous have much in common, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

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 fabulous The Haute Dogs Calendar — which features 12 rescue dogs all styled in fabulous hats by world-class milliners, including favorites of the royal family such as Justine Bradley-Hill and Golding herself — is now in its eighth year. Monique Jessen, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Looking for more fabulous mattress savings? Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025 Merkins were first developed in 1450, per the Oxford Companion to the Body, and were created so that women could shave off pubic lice without sacrificing that fabulous bush. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 From slim soccer trainers to extra-chunky styles, the decade was filled with a whole variety of options that remain as fabulous as ever. Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lanthimos’s gaze, so exactingly attuned to human ugliness, has seldom given us lovelier things to look at.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Those milpas were really lovely, a fit setting for hunting the smartest, gamest bird in the Southwest.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Helen wants him for an off-the-books quest to find a possibly mythical object called the Seven Five Two, and an even more off-the-books quest to find answers about a formative childhood trauma involving the Talamasca.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Given the stakes for project proponents and opponents, and CEQA’s almost mythical status, the campaign for and against the measure could be one of the most contentious ballot battles in the state’s history.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
  • And being able to do that for a brand of my own would be so amazing — definitely my biggest goal.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, close animal encounters aren't always fictitious.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Half Moon Bay weigh-off began in 1974, when the California town barely edged out Circleville, Ohio, in an amiable contest for the fictitious title of pumpkin capital of the world.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While plenty of risks remain — Milei’s party will still be in the minority in Argentina’s national legislature, and the South American nation remains deeply indebted — for now Bessent’s risky move looks to be another win, decades after his involvement in a legendary bet against the UK pound.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Harrison's success follows a string of pro-athletes hailing from Middletown, like NBA Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas, legendary NFL wide receiver Cris Carter and World Series champion Kyle Schwarber.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Voyager 1's approximate position lies half way along the imaginary line connecting these two stellar giants.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Not all the scares and frights and bumps in the night are imaginary on Halloween.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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