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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fantastic different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and grotesque are common synonyms of fantastic. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When is it sensible to use bizarre instead of fantastic?

The meanings of bizarre and fantastic largely overlap; however, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Where would grotesque be a reasonable alternative to fantastic?

Although the words grotesque and fantastic have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

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 fantastic Meow Wolf, an arts production company that creates immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms, has locations in Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Denver, and Grapevine and Houston, Texas. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024 Bonnie Bedelia played Shirley Muldowney, who was a real person, and her performance was fantastic. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024 Surrounding that story is a flying leap into the fantastic, with the unnamed mother, played by Adams, going canine. Michael Phillips, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2024 But after the enormous success of It, a genuinely fantastic and wonderfully barbaric horror flick that managed to strike a chord with the general public despite its gore, the sequel’s budget was nearly doubled from $40 million to nearly $79 million. Travis Bean, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fantastic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Red One seemed like a bizarre experiment, some sort of action film-adjacent Santa Claus movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans that almost seemed to be a sort of parody of itself.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Her material consists of tales of her bizarre upbringing, highly unconventional family, and filterless confessions of her time on this filthy planet.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Estranged from his family and battling health issues, Husk, a fictional character, becomes consumed with stopping Matthews and his destructive grand plan.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
  • By ignoring the actual crime and focusing on the fictional characters the answer immediately became clear.
    Ed Herro, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On top of the track views, the space also features incredible food options and entertainment space.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Can SpaceX’s skyrocketing potential translate into incredible return?
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some of the many fanciful gingerbread buildings that arose there were supposedly designed by the scandalously famous architect Stanford White and bore a resemblance to the Hotel del Coronado, which opened the same year.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Judging by editors’ reactions to the trays and trays of fanciful baubles that filled the fashion closet for a recent street style shoot, these bits and bobs are here to stay.
    Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Click here to discover who is responsible for such a marvelous gift of a cocktail, or just make one yourself with the recipe below.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $495 Invest in Innovations Modern upgrades make mundane living simply marvelous.
    Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 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
Adjective
  • This example from Swiss Watch Expo is in excellent, near new condition with its full bracelet and original box.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
  • With its combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and affordability, Turkey—and Vera Clinic in particular—is an excellent choice for anyone seeking exceptional hair restoration results.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fantastic

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

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