fancy 1 of 3

fancy

2 of 3

noun

1
2
3
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
In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025 Technically this version is a little fancier than our top pick, with electronic ignition and a nice pale green paint job. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 25 May 2025
Noun
With that in mind, The Atlantic’s writers and editors have selected books to suit every mood or fancy. The Atlantic, 15 May 2025 Companies go from frivolous fancies to juggernauts in just a few years. Mike Isaac, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
There’s a decent chance of success; the North London team is better than semi-final opponent Bodo/Glimt and would fancy its chances against Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 In simple terms, the manager either did not fancy risking his striker’s fitness or did not fancy him full-stop, preferring Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe. Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
  • The team credits their detailed simulation to the power of cutting-edge computing.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 June 2025
  • The company then provides clients with a detailed report, which shows their embryo's results.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Botox effectively treats hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
  • Alcohol and excessive speed were suspected of being involved in the crash, and charges are pending, but not expected to be filed for several weeks.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • In 1963, Johnson moved from Elizabeth, N.J. to bustling 42nd Street to follow her dreams of being a Broadway star and to learn more about New York City’s gay community.
    Tourmaline, Time, 2 June 2025
  • Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • This translates into collections that transcend seasonal whims, instead offering timeless pieces with modern sensibilities.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • Ownership of the Birmingham Property changed hands several times through transactions initiated at the whims of the Respondent.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Exchanges are not for comparing notes or calling each other’s attention to something that was not done to your liking.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
  • But that xG-against figure is too high for Chelsea’s liking in any case.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Theoretical physics has long held a special place in the scientific imagination — not just for its foundational questions, but for its strangeness.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is a step forward in realizing that vision, crafting a film where intensity meets imagination on a grand scale.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Set more than a decade after Jane’s untimely death, this bit of historical fiction follows her beloved older (and only) sister, Cassandra, sensitively portrayed by executive producer Keeley Hawes, and imagines the circumstances that led her to destroy thousands of the author’s personal letters.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Olivia Jan, who worked on the Grassland Opera fragrance imagined the scent of the herbaceous orbexilum stipulatum flower.
    Nicole Mowbray, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The few canneries based in the United States are enjoying the rise in popularity among Americans.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • The Big Apple isn’t the only destination to enjoy this urban astronomy delight, either.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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