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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 Floor-shaking bass and clear dialogue audio for less than $200 is a fantastic deal and will really elevate your gaming and movie watching experience. John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 Along the ride, we were embraced by test audiences who rewarded us with fantastic scores. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Alana Haim returns to star in One Battle After Another among a fantastic ensemble cast, featuring performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor, as well as Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 On the mainstream end, the SNL focus on fast fashion really put the issue on the radar for some people for the first time, which was a fantastic outcome. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fantastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fantastic
Adjective
  • But their work didn’t rule out the possibility of bizarre algorithms that could somehow use the same piece of memory for storage and calculations simultaneously—the computing equivalent of using a page filled with important notes as scratch paper.
    Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The movie, based on the video game of the same name, centers around four misfits who are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Combs was in good company among the parents of Rosewood, Pa., the fictional setting for Pretty Little Liars' seven seasons of backstabbings and betrayals.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • As a thriller-comedy-drama set in a luxurious (fictional) hotel chain with some of the world’s most beautiful locations as the backdrop, fans are desperate to know where The White Lotus season three will be set.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans can share their own incredible images that celebrate the beauty of the planet during the Nat Geo Your Shot ourHOME challenge.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Tempers flare and stadiums erupt in this incredible tournament, that never ceases to entertain.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, some allies have alluded to plans to make what seems a fanciful idea real.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In following the fanciful story of two lovers journeying separately through East and Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, Gomes mixes staged scenes with documentary footage — some of it distinctly modern, some of it seemingly more timeless.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Grampy and pooch Pudgy (a marvelous puppet, mastered by Philip Huber) are transported to the New York present to bring her back.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Baha Mar, the 1,000-square-acre upscale resort in the Bahamas, is a marvelous beach getaway for those who like nonstop action and high-touch customer service.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t wait for an official decision – get your imaginary head space cast list started.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Barrymore then launched up from her seat to showcase how Mr. Clean shows off his sensual side, shaking her hips and waving an imaginary mop.
    EW.com, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Two standout experiences near the water include Schooner’s in the Caribbean Village, open for breakfast and dinner (chef Chris’s swordfish steak was excellent) as well as Barefoot by the Sea in the Italian Village.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Piper Niven Currently, Piper Niven is doing an excellent job as part of WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green's cabinet.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fantastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fantastic. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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