FABULOUS Synonyms: 322 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fabulous

adjective

ˈfa-byə-ləs

Definition of fabulous next

as in mythic

based on, described in, or being a myth the city of Phoenix is named after a fabulous bird that every 500 years destroys itself with fire, only to rise again from its own ashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wonderful

causing wonder or astonishment the fabulous sites of dazzlingly lit Las Vegas

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as in fictitious

not real and existing only in the imagination a story of a fabulous land where the people know nothing of war and live together in perfect harmony

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as in lovely

of the very best kind we had a fabulous time on our vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Autonomy in Gaza was a fabulous opportunity for Palestinians. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 6 Feb. 2025 Emma has been some fabulous version of blonde for quite some time now, interrupting her fair-haired streak with the occasional brunette detour. —

Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Feb. 2025 Its stunning architecture and fabulous location are why it’s considered one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in the world. —

Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 The 67th Grammy Awards celebration features a bounty of big names singing, presenting and showing up to look fabulous. —

Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fabulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous

Adjective

Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.

— Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025