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

Examples 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 Esse is fantastic in one-on-one situations, which will offer Munoz opportunities to get forward into better goalscoring and crossing positions. Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025 The relationship between Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw (one of my all-time favorite actors) is fantastic and the thriller aspect of the show kept me on the edge of my seat. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The casting is fantastic, with Jude Law in particular giving us one of the best Star Wars characters in years, and the child actors are phenomenal, as well, particularly the scene-stealing Neel (Robert Timothy Smith). Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025 They are joined by a fantastic supporting ensemble made up of Will Sharpe, Daniel Oreskes, Liza Sadovy, Kurt Egyiawan, Jennifer Grey, and Ellora Torchia. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fantastic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Duran Duran has paid tribute to the late American filmmaker David Lynch, whose brilliant and bizarre films laid the inspirational groundwork for a young Nick Rhodes.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
  • By Judy Berman January 17, 2025 6:00 AM EST The spectacular finale of Severance’s first season introduced a love triangle more bizarre than New Order could ever have imagined.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In his office, Berg used an ice axe to pitch Smith on a collaboration, which would eventually follow a fictional frontiersman and mother-son duo navigating the Westward expansion.
    Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The duo first shared the screen in 1999's Any Given Sunday, which follows a fictional professional football team.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But in between those ‘parties’ is an incredible description of Hell!
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Also, the Chardonnay and Bordeaux-blend range in price from $42 to $44, respectively, and are of incredible value as ultra-premium South African wines have not become trendy in the U.S., not yet, anyway.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also lost were performance posters, a bust of Schoenberg and ephemera such as the fanciful playing card sets the composer designed.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Dress up dapper because moody Francis Hall is sophisticated, intimate and crafting fanciful sips. KILN Location: Hotel Heron: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314 For Saturday dinner, visit KILN, which just so happens to be the ground-floor restaurant at the hotel.
    Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The cast included, famously, the marvelous Meryl Streep.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Watch the video above to see the marvelous moment a kind cop comes to the rescue of Captain America.
    Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Since Southern California was located somewhere near 6:30 on this imaginary clock face, the result was winds traveling from east to west — the opposite of their normal direction.
    Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The feature, from experimental filmmaker Matthew Rankin, is an absurdist comedy set in an imaginary Canada where French and Farsi are the country’s two official languages.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • With excellent lift access, 12 lifts provide visitors with access to 244 skiable acres.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fantastic

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

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