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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

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 fabulous Riverside: Get outside and take a walk along the wide paved trail in this landmark 161-acre city park, which offers fabulous views and even a historic bridge and tower toward the top. Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 28 Nov. 2024 Find fabulous fashion finds (and more) for up to 50% off, below. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2024 Choose from the large or small size and four fabulous colors to find one that works perfectly for your lifestyle. Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024 Prasad’s history of this fabulous material, from the time of the Pharaohs to World War II and contemporary studies, is one of the book's most fascinating stories. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fabulous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • What a wonderful way for your skin to start the new year!
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • My wonderful husband Will drove me here and has been by my side for the whole thing.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • And the Tahini shortbread just what a lovely kind of savory cookie, just really got some nuance in terms of just that savory edge to the flavor.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Among the loveliest species to link the U.S. with Mexico are monarch butterflies, whose migratory populations are dwindling.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Imagine if the Aztecs, who happily sent their young up the pyramid to be horrible killed for a bunch of mythical lizards, realized their sacrifices were for naught.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The team’s global logo transforms the Bay Bridge into a set of wings—a nod to both the team’s mythical inspiration and their geographical roots.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the years since, Eve has undergone an amazing transformation.
    Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The personal brand mistakes that hold coaches back Making it about you Your Instagram grid looks amazing.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Advertisement Now, roughly six months later, prosecutors in Ventura County are alleging Boyer attempted to register various fictitious felines to vote in the months preceding the November election.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
  • In fact, others say Hollywood has become inhospitable to Israelis, even fictitious ones.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Develop Mobile Apps Another excellent and popular idea to build passive income is app creation.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The excellent Shailene Woodley pulls off the toughest assignment as the prophetic (or mentally ill) daughter, but Zachary Qunto, Rebecca Henderson and Christopher Sears all forge empathetic beasts.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In James Mangold’s glorious, mysterious not-quite-a-biopic A Complete Unknown, Norton plays legendary folksinger Pete Seeger, a man with sunshine in his voice—but also one who stood up fearlessly to the House Un-American Activities Committee.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
  • That year, the founders did a shoot with legendary model and journalist Benedetta Barzini, who remains a friend of the brand and features also in the images promoting the new collection.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Then, as the game clock ticked closer to zero, Young dribbled the clock out, blew in his hand and rolled imaginary die on the massive Knicks’ midcourse logo.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The outdoor areas –in addition to providing the energetic kids room to run, play and even pedal tricycles around imaginary tracks — are essential parts of the learning experience and development of motor skills.
    Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fabulous

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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