fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

noun

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2
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4
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others to fans of Lewis Carroll, the animal creations of his fertile fancy are as real as any creature to be found at the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fancy

3 of 3

verb

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a fancy restaurant
an extravagant restaurant
a formal restaurant
a posh restaurant
a classy restaurant
a luxurious restaurant
fancy cars
flashy cars
lavish cars
snazzy cars
swanky cars
fancy clothes
formal clothes
glamorous clothes
dressy clothes
fabulous clothes
extravagant clothes

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fancy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fancy are conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When could conceive be used to replace fancy?

The words conceive and fancy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of fancy?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

Where would imagine be a reasonable alternative to fancy?

The meanings of imagine and fancy largely overlap; however, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for fancy?

While the synonyms realize and fancy are close in meaning, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of fancy?

In some situations, the words think and fancy are roughly equivalent. However, think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

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 fancy
Adjective
His meticulous note-keeping is very much in line with an organized Virgo. Libra: Andy Andy is a popular cheerleader and lives in the fancy part of Astoria. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025 At fancier and more expensive camps, chefs whip up a variety of delicious and nutritious foods to keep climbers fueled and happy. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 5 June 2025
Noun
While the flashy, often unusual Alienware design won’t be for everyone, the HP Omen Max's more low-key appearance may tickle your fancy. Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 10 May 2025 Missions throw lavish parties at their own embassies, including a legendary bash thrown by the Cubans every December, but no one at our table had ever attended an event this large and this fancy in the Delegates Dining Room. Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Monroe and his secretary of state, John Quincy Adams, were also aware that Russia’s czar had stated an interest in both the Oregon territory and California and fancied lands as far south as Peru. Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025 Meanwhile Casemiro has been much criticised during his time in Manchester and was simply not fancied by previous Brazil manager Dorival Junior. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • Your figures often appear clothed in richly detailed textiles and garments that seem to carry as much weight as the subjects themselves.
    Essence, Essence, 17 June 2025
  • The deadline to submit detailed proposals is September, and formal bids must be submitted to FIFA at the end of November, according to sources.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • According to Mock, your professional maid service will not have the proper tools to safely remove excessive mold issues.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Some locals in Venice, which has dealt with overtourism that has strained the city’s infrastructure and services for years, will protest the wedding over concerns its scale will worsen some of the issues created by excessive tourist crowds.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Until recently, restoring meaningful vision for these patients was a distant dream.
    Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • For now, there are dreams living inside her notebook.
    Èlia Borràs, Christian Science Monitor, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Teams are forever juggling office space, making room for new technology, seeking to inspire a new vibe, responding to the whims and preferences of a new front office or coaching staff.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • When legislators and much of the voting public in Minnesota soundly rejected the cost of a retractable roof facility, the design of what eventually became Target Field was scaled back, and outdoor baseball – for better or worse depending on the whims of Minnesota weather – returned in 2010.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Sear in a hot pan coated in a thin layer of oil until the meat is browned to your liking.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
  • And that there are fewer and fewer reporters doing them, even as governments and others hire more and more flaks to spin events to their liking.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • By doing it for them, AI robs children of the joy and the work of their imagination.
    Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • However, on a deeper level, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang remind us of the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
    Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Often hailed as the definitive screen version, this series perfectly captured the turning point in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance and brought to life the very estate many imagined from the novel’s descriptions.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • In an exclusive clip from the film (below), the jury tries to retrace Sophie’s steps, and imagine her state of mind, on the night she was murdered.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Not fun for the rest of us just trying to enjoy the game.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • It’s supposed to be a time to bond with your kids, enjoy nature, and maybe escape stresses of day-to-day life.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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