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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

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 fantastic The gals at Always Booked put together the most fantastic event down to the tiniest detail. American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025 There are plenty of places to get a great meal or a fantastic drink all over the world, but there are just a few that offer a stellar place to snap a few Instagram pictures, too. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2025 But everyone is doing such a fantastic job of good vibes and playing neutral. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Each of its three huts includes fantastic views of the valley; there’s also a Jacuzzi and terrace. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fantastic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • The bizarre clip, reportedly shot with an iPhone, featured West in a dentist’s chair asking people to go to the website.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Certainly, the eccentric characters and bizarre situations in his novels reflect a hallucinatory vision.
    Tom Vitale, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ferrell is on the cowbell, and fictional music producer Bruce Dickinson’s (Christopher Walken) gotta have more cowbell, baby.
    Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Take the novel’s fictional Kingsford Hotel, owned by Colin Khoo’s family, which is brought to real life via the famed Raffles Hotel.
    Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its pint-size bottles of serum are seriously incredible too.
    Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
  • And this cast was so incredible, such great troopers, such a beautiful ensemble to work with.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But policymakers should never again ignore the basics in pursuit of fanciful heterodox solutions.
    Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025
  • President Trump’s fanciful plan for Gaza will not happen; still his wacky vision actually undermines legitimate efforts to improve relations in the Mideast, with Israel’s Arab partners like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia looking for the exits.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In this marvelous, world-building book, Okorafor again showcases her imaginative power and gift of storytelling.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Now, another one is on its way, this one — bonus of all bonuses — featuring the marvelous Kara Young.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Our mayor and City Council must stop pandering to developers by approving zoning laws based on fast, frequent, imaginary, future public transit.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
  • On top of that, Vancouver was right next door, and there was no imaginary border that made Richmond feel like an enclave.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • During that same five-year period, anchored by an excellent gross margin consistently nearing 80%, its adjusted operating margin has gone from an eyesore at negative 30% to an encouraging nearly 10%.
    StockStory Team, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
  • How To Make Lipstick Last Longer In addition to picking an excellent transfer-proof formula, our experts share a few other tips to ensure longwear.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fantastic

Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fantastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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