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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 of fabulous in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web That kind, generous quality has showed up a lot at the very strong Second City revues (like the fabulous e.t.c. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 Heidi Klum as a red witch in 2004 This bold costume saw Klum donning an eye-popping mane of bright red hair, wearing vampire fangs and a fabulous hat, and, just for fun, sporting skeleton bones all over her body. Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 That’s fabulous guidance for both guests and celebrants to remember. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2024 Gap brushed Fair Isle cropped cardigan $80 GAP Black Suede Studio Logan Leather Mules Looking for a fabulous footwear find under-$300? Laura Jackson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fabulous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Then there’s Cleo’s nervy 30-something daughter, Grace — the wonderful Zoë Geltman — who’s always been the good girl but whose loins are newly afire for her brother-in-law, Roy (Gabriel Brown).
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The box includes only a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for charging. Sound: Powerful Bass and Clean Highs Simply put, the Bose SoundLink Home sounds wonderful.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This piece is also an homage to the vivid hues of South Australia’s lovely state flower the Sturt Desert Pea. Be sure not to miss out on Chihuly Nights, which is an all-access pass to the entire Chihuly experience.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Hannibal Lecter from 'Silence of the Lamb,' is a lovely man.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Jones says that mythical golden age was mainly for white Christians who did not have to share the wealth, culture and political power with people of color.
    Russell Contreras, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Alebrijes: Even the dead need a spiritual guide Pedro Linares, an artist in Mexico City, introduced the celebration to colorful, mythical creatures known as Alebrijes in 1936.
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Don't miss out on these amazing savings to enhance your workflow and keep your data safe while on the go.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Thank you to Taylor and the Swift family for the amazing memories that will never be forgotten.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • To Kaplan, the onscreen romantic chemistry between the two fictitious lead characters, rival booksellers Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly, drew her attention.
    David Chiu, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • There is a chance that generative AI can make up fictitious facts, often referred to as AI hallucinations, see my coverage at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • North Carolina State University researchers found that deer movement can be excellent the last hour of daylight during the last-quarter phase of the moon.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Additionally, this maintenance is an excellent time for the IRS to test its systems to ensure that many people can submit their tax returns simultaneously.
    Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The win at legendary Lambeau Field marked the first time the Lions played outside of a dome this season—and Coach Dan Campbell made sure his players were ready for all that Wisconsin might throw at them.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Designed by legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato, powered by an all-American GM small-block V-8, and hand-built in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the AC 378 GT Zagato comprises just 10 examples made between 2012 and 2013.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Unable to enjoy the same freedom as past generations of kids (for example, playing on sidewalks or roaming freely in the countryside), these early 2000s kids were carving out freedom in virtual or imaginary spaces.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Trump’s coattails may be imaginary at this point, but the insiders on the ground in Michigan know this reality: at this point in 2016—two weeks before Election Day—Hillary Clinton was up 8 points on Trump; Clinton lost by one-third of 1 point when the votes were actually counted.
    Philip Elliott / Detroit, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fabulous

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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