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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

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 fabulous Borealis, one of the 21 works in MIT’s fabulous show, is composed of several large screens that are projected with footage of the natural landscape in Iceland, Steina’s home country. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Jan. 2025 In each episode, Meghan hosts one of her fabulous friends while sharing her favorite cooking, gardening, and crafting tips, per Tudum. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025 And that’s to say nothing of the various slippers, boots, and—of course—Crocs that made it a year in fabulous footwear. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024 Piaget’s fabulous 150th anniversary WATCH When a brand reaches the ripe old age of 150, a sesquicentennial celebration is in order. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fabulous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a lovely bouquet upon sniffing, followed by a fine, long spreading of flavors on the palate and good herbal qualities.
    John Mariani, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • December Issue Celebrities Jennie Reveals How Cold-Plunging Loosens Up Her Muscles and Opens Up Her Mind A mix of lavender, pink, green, and orange in a watercolor wash effect just makes for a lovely nail Valentine’s Day nail look.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a reason that on his goalie mask is painted a mythical phoenix, rising from the ashes.
    Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • What To Know Hindu pilgrims gather at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, seeking liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The ones that look amazing until the light hits just right, and suddenly they’re see-through.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, that didn’t stop the fictitious school district from announcing closings as the North Texas deals with freezing rain and snow.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Much like the fictitious film, Moss’s relationship with his youngest child’s mother has been tumultuous.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • With excellent lift access, 12 lifts provide visitors with access to 244 skiable acres.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Mayo had only one season at the helm in New England after being tapped to replace the legendary Bill Belichick.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Testifying on your own behalf in a high-profile case is a rare move that is fraught with risk, and one Madigan, a lawyer and legendary tactician, surely considered from every angle.
    Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Since Southern California was located somewhere near 6:30 on this imaginary clock face, the result was winds traveling from east to west — the opposite of their normal direction.
    Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The feature, from experimental filmmaker Matthew Rankin, is an absurdist comedy set in an imaginary Canada where French and Farsi are the country’s two official languages.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fabulous

Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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