imaginary
adjective
imag·i·nary
i-ˈma-jə-ˌner-ē 
-ˌne-rē
1
a
: existing only in imagination : lacking factual reality
b
: formed or characterized imaginatively or arbitrarily
his canvases, chiefly imaginary, somber landscapes—
Current Biography
Current Biography2
: containing or relating to the imaginary unit
imaginary roots
Examples of imaginary in a Sentence
The two groups were separated by an imaginary line down the middle of the room.
an imaginary world of dragons and unicorns
Recent Examples on the Web
In the case of the imaginary fruit, for example, glucose and citric acid would be used.
—Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025
Some of the stories are set in the past, others in the present, and still others in an imaginary future.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Here, buzzed on boxed wine and lingering pain, Grace weaves an imaginary world for herself, one fueled by fractured memories bound by the sutures of song.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025
Dexter spawned several spinoffs, the first being Dexter: New Blood, in which Carpenter reprised her role as an imaginary presence.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imaginary
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Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025
Some of the stories are set in the past, others in the present, and still others in an imaginary future.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Here, buzzed on boxed wine and lingering pain, Grace weaves an imaginary world for herself, one fueled by fractured memories bound by the sutures of song.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025
Dexter spawned several spinoffs, the first being Dexter: New Blood, in which Carpenter reprised her role as an imaginary presence.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imaginary
Articles Related to imaginary
Cite this Entry
“Imaginary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imaginary. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imaginary
adjective
imag·i·nary
im-ˈaj-ə-ˌner-ē
: existing only in imagination : not real
unicorns are imaginary
Medical Definition
imaginary
adjective
imag·i·nary
im-ˈaj-ə-ˌner-ē
: existing only in imagination : lacking factual reality
imaginary fears
an imaginary illness
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