Definition of fabulousnext
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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

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 Running, walking or strutting in your fabulous Pride attire are all encouraged at this inclusive event where fitness meets celebration. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 30 May 2026 Smart gave the character a delivery all her own—deadpan, droll, and fabulous. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 This fabulous mini dress is perfect for date night, a baby shower, or a summer wedding—available in nine gorgeous, colorful patterns, choose the dress that best fits your personal style. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2026 Between her thirst-trap selfies and fabulous rendezvous, the 84-year-old never fails to deliver in the content department. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • After cementing her legacy as a legendary comedian with a record-breaking show that will polish the lede to her future obituary, Deborah Vance is ready for her next applause.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Fraser plays the legendary general (and future president) as a tempestuous mountain of a man, a far cry from the modest and even-keeled Eisenhower of record.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful small moment midway through the season where Reilly’s lightly bugging out in his dingy apartment, shaking out his limbs at sharp, insectile angles to get comfortable.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 May 2026
  • All wonderful real-life lessons that can happen in their own neighborhood or local area.
    VaNessa Duplessie, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Those crews worked on the Country Club Plaza, in a home in Lee’s Summit and around local soccer fields — all on the Missouri side, even though the fictional Coach Lasso hails from Kansas.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
  • The show, which follows Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler moving to the fictional South Texas town of Rio Paloma, premiered May 15 and airs Fridays on Paramount+ and the Paramount Network.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Our lovely guide Sherelyn took us out to one of her favorite spots, a little backyard tasting room run by winemaker Simon Groves, who runs labels Groves and Filly with his wife, Amanda Ritchie, as well as the Foley family's Runholder.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
  • Nymph is soft and sweet and hot and pungent and textured and strange and lovely.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Today, the municipality doesn’t seem too eager to promote its affinity for the international language (its tourism office tends to focus more on local castles and caves), but Herzberg has achieved near-mythic status among some Esperantists.
    Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • Horses, those strange mythical creatures.
    Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • But Bodo/Glimt knocking out last season’s finalists Inter was amazing too.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Laura Dern looks amazing in marabou feathers, Marissa Long stuns in sequins, and Chris Messina is also there.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Amounts that would have looked imaginary three years ago are now the entry ticket.
    Renana Ashkenazi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • But his idealized vision of a past paradise of social cohesion that late-stage capitalism destroyed doesn’t reckon with the snakes that were always there in this imaginary Eden, including a personal betrayal that’s close to home and only comes slithering out in a moment of drunken weakness.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Seb Stafford-Bloor’s excellent Transfer Tiers series is moving on to central defenders today.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • The right-shot defenseman has had an excellent tournament for Finland, who advanced to the semifinals with a win over Czechia.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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