fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

noun

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2
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4
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 to fans of Lewis Carroll, the animal creations of his fertile fancy are as real as any creature to be found at the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fancy

3 of 3

verb

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a fancy restaurant
an extravagant restaurant
a formal restaurant
a posh restaurant
a classy restaurant
a luxurious restaurant
fancy cars
flashy cars
lavish cars
snazzy cars
swanky cars
fancy clothes
formal clothes
glamorous clothes
dressy clothes
fabulous clothes
extravagant clothes

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fancy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fancy are conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When could conceive be used to replace fancy?

The words conceive and fancy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of fancy?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

Where would imagine be a reasonable alternative to fancy?

The meanings of imagine and fancy largely overlap; however, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for fancy?

While the synonyms realize and fancy are close in meaning, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of fancy?

In some situations, the words think and fancy are roughly equivalent. However, think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

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 fancy
Adjective
Scott Gilbertson From LEDs to fancy OLED models, these are our favorite televisions at every price. Brad Bourque, Wired News, 1 Apr. 2025 Fewer than 30 or so fancy red diamonds larger than one carat exist in the public record, Farfan says. Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
The other is Elon Musk—or Trump, depending on your fancy—whose own instability and unchecked power are a separate but equally urgent problem. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 Blackall’s full-color illustrations appear on every spread, occasionally taking over storytelling duties when the sisters embark on wordless flights of fancy. Travis Jonker, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
Several, including Bishop, fancied themselves rappers or singers; a few had worked on the fringes of the music business. David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025 Atletico will still fancy their odds of finally beating the 15-time winners in their favourite competition. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • Shah mainly prioritizes user experience, offers trustworthy course reviews, and creates detailed guides to build credibility and trust on the platform.
    Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
  • True cut glass is created by artists moving a piece of glass against round blades in detailed patterns.
    Katie Akin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid constipation as excessive straining can weaken the pelvic floor.
    Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But for others, anxiety is an ongoing disorder that causes excessive worry, and isn't just prompted by stressful situations.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the end of 2023, the now 30-year-old went from working a tech job in New York — his dream city — to moving into the spare bedroom at his 90-year-old grandmother’s home in Los Angeles.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • As for his own ambitions, Drummond dreams of collaborations with cultural innovators like Pharrell Williams.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But Greer is attempting to systematize a policy environment that is being by driven by fiat and decree, the whims of the man at the top.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The very structure and pacing of the film reflects the rhythm of a real game—tense, strategic and methodical, but always at the whim of whatever fate has in store.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Within the last probably year or two, she's really taken a special liking to watching Jaylin play.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article Starting a new theater company during this perilous time for arts funding takes guts, imagination and talent.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Thanks to the creativity and collaboration of teams across WB Pictures and the entire company, our film about the power of imagination and building something bigger than ourselves sparked incredible reactions from audiences everywhere.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Photo : Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC Our interior was imagined as a mix of Alcantara and semi-aniline leather in Onyx Black, complemented by a dark chrome finish on the air vents and metallic switches, and carbon fiber for the steering wheel.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The band has previously enjoyed six top 10 albums, including two chart-toppers: Two Shoes (2005) and Rising With the Sun (2016).
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Located on the southern side of Kauai, beachgoers at Poipu enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, as well as boogie boarding, surfing and wading in the ocean.
    Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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