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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 writing in this episode is fantastic, and the filming of it is unusual for a Chicago Fire episode. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 Its picture is fantastic, rivaling the Samsung S95D and many high-end LED TVs in brightness but with more accurate colors. PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 The Standard Model is a fantastic theory that handles the statistics of what things are doing. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2025 Embarrassing Brighton for a third time this season by finishing above them would be a fantastic way to go from despondency after a rough start to delirium in May. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • Even more bizarre was the depth the starlight's dip changed with every transit.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The gay man who was involved in Rep. Nancy Mace’s viral meltdown at an Ulta Beauty store is speaking out about the bizarre incident.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The star and executive producer briefly revived the series in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois, two decades later in March 2018.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Known to millions as Mr. Johnson, the delightfully offbeat and endlessly wise custodian of Philadelphia’s most charming fictional school, Davis has turned what began as a recurring spot into an award-winning, fan-favorite presence.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • American Express and Chase both have incredible travel rewards programs that offer a wide variety of redemptions and exceptional value.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • That’s not too surprising, as collections packed with greatest hits tend to have incredible staying power, especially in the streaming age.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.
    Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the early 1920s, tens of thousands of people across the United States, many of whom had never set foot in Florida, made down payments on unbuilt lots in the Sunshine State, lured in by fanciful brochures and fast-talking salespeople.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Its cream background is overlaid with fanciful doodles of oranges, farfalle pasta, wine, playing cards, and other feel-good finds that emphasize the beauty found in the ordinary.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Joyner climbed the podium in a black pantsuit adorned with clusters of brilliant silver sequins and a marvelous tulle train.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Risen delivers a marvellous account of the Hiss case, with its many plot twists, involving accusations about a fake typewriter, microfilm hidden in a pumpkin, and the intricacies of ornithology.
    Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Emmy Award-winner plays the Black woman stand-in for a white male protagonist in an imaginary story to repurpose the popularity of a once successful Keyworth Pictures’ franchise.
    Malik Peay, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Perception Of Threat: In situations of aggression, whether real or imaginary, a natural response is to fight back.
    Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a survey of more than 15,000 users after its rollout in 2024, 90% of respondents ranked their experience as excellent or above average.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Scott McKenna bossing the defence, Fabio Silva scoring goals for fun, Oli McBurnie bashing around and suddenly speaking excellent Spanish… this is a cause to believe in.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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