Definition of fabulousnext
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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

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 fabulous The fact that the cosmos is serving us with one final, fabulous curveball should be more than enough to get your attention! Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 What’s more, the grounds are part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, open to visitors to sprawl out on the lawn, marvel at the castle, and admire Sarah’s fabulous flowers. Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026 Haden, one of the few gay people in hard-core music (and certainly the most fabulous one), has found the intersection between punk and pride. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026 The next town over, Salem, has a fabulous selection of antiques, with longstanding stores like Charlotte's Web Antique Mall waiting to welcome visitors. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fabulous
Adjective
  • Sure, there are some legendary money managers who have outperformed the averages — over the long run.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 41-year-old is still adding legendary plays to his collection.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Apex, which primarily consists of its two main characters chasing each other around the fictional Wandarra National Park on location in the real Australian Blue Mountains, is more focused in action than in psychological nuance.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Some rappers have begun directly attesting to the fictional nature of their music.
    Maria Sherman, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ahead, my step-by-step guide to recreate a lovely lunch that will help your bond grow even deeper.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Later on, the sights of Camden Market and Gasholder Park promise a lovely balance between the buzz and tranquillity of London.
    Will Barker, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But this year’s report, published Wednesday, has the Queen City of the East – home of horror author Stephen King and the mythical birthplace of lumberjack Paul Bunyan – standing alone.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • What could be more human than to weave a mythic narrative of self and clan around what is remembered, and the slippages of what might have been?
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To get a sentence like that in a communist, radically left-wing city of liberal lunatics is truly amazing.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The best was this amazing movie with Isabelle Huppert and Gerard Depardieu.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If consequences are optional, deterrence is imaginary.
    Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fabulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fabulous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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