1
2
3
4

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 This is a film that exists entirely to support a brilliant, go-for-broke performance from Glenn Close, who channels a fabulous manic energy as Cruella De Vil. Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn of Project Runway Beauty and brains, poise and talent, fabulous and fabulouser - Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn represented something totally fresh when Project Runway premiered in 2004, fostering the next generation of sartorial royalty. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The roster of fabulous women Pete Davidson has dated reads like a guest list for an Oscars afterparty. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 Evans and Hull were sharing a practice round at the fabulous Sunningdale Golf Club at the time. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nicotiana sylvestris Sun Exposure: Dappled shade Soil Type: Organic loam Soil pH: Slightly acidic 11 of 11 Wishbone Flower Wishbone flower is a low-growing annual with lovely two-toned, two-lipped, tubular purple or pink flowers.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Starts out with savory aromas of herbs and wild mushrooms that morphs to brambly berries with a hint of forest floor and licorice on the finish that has lots of tannins with a lovely round quality that gives volume to this full-bodied wine.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This sends him on a high-stakes journey to find the mythical Last Wish, a fabled star that can restore his lost lives.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Begins at noon April 13, Steinmetz Hall, free ‘The Last Firefly’: Naomi Iizuka’s play for young audiences combines Japanese fairy tales and folklore to tell the mythical tale of Boom, the son of Thunder, who must confront the forces of nature in a blend of magic, courage and wonder.
    Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • To me, every place has magic—there amazing secrets in its visuals and people.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to retiring the mortgage early, the move would save our fictitious borrower $46,920.89 in interest.
    Gary Sandler, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Between February and August 2022, prosecutors say Santos used her credit card repeatedly, attributing donations to her, her daughter, or fictitious names.
    Jason Volack, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Two standout experiences near the water include Schooner’s in the Caribbean Village, open for breakfast and dinner (chef Chris’s swordfish steak was excellent) as well as Barefoot by the Sea in the Italian Village.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Piper Niven Currently, Piper Niven is doing an excellent job as part of WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green's cabinet.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The History of Cattlemen's Steakhouse Since 1910, this legendary institution (originally known as Cattlemen’s Cafe) has been serving up the freshest beef in town (the Oklahoma National Stockyards is nearby).
    Katie Akin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
  • With a slapshot straight to the back of the net, the Washington Capitals captain, 39, officially became the NHL's all-time goal leader on Sunday, April 6, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal.
    Julie Mazziotta, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t wait for an official decision – get your imaginary head space cast list started.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Barrymore then launched up from her seat to showcase how Mr. Clean shows off his sensual side, shaking her hips and waving an imaginary mop.
    EW.com, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fabulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!