1
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
decided they would rather go without dinner than pay the hotel restaurant's fancy prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
we're having a little get-together after the concert—nothing fancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
a writer with a prodigious talent for creating fancies that captivate readers young and old
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action
is this a serious interest in music, or just your latest fancy that will be forgotten after a week?
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3
as in liking
positive regard for something
now that he's rich he's taken a fancy to expensive sports cars
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to imagine
to form a mental picture of
try to fancy, if you can, our mother on an elephant when she was touring India
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to enjoy
to take pleasure in
the teacher didn't fancy the idea of failing the student, even if he was the class clown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of fancy
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The menu includes United Kingdom staples such as shepherd’s pie and giant breakfasts that feature black pudding — a fancy word for a savory sausage mixed with blood.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
2 July 2026
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Cocktails on the terrace, dinner at the table, drinks afterwards, then – should the host-cum-guest fancy it – a private DJ and a bit of a dance.
—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
At the lower end of the survey’s spectrum and considerably more balanced sits marijuana regulation, with only 31% of respondents considering the topic to be important for people to understand, and 23% of respondents fancying themselves as highly informed on the matter.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fancy
Adjective
Allen, who has been friends with Kelce, 36, for over a decade, posted a photo of himself in a fancy outfit inside what looks to be a hotel room.
—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The menu includes United Kingdom staples such as shepherd’s pie and giant breakfasts that feature black pudding — a fancy word for a savory sausage mixed with blood.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
2 July 2026
Noun
With its eclectic collection of vinyl records and board games, Kibbitznest, a WiFi-free book bar in Lincoln Park, has been capturing the fancies of those seeking a digital detox for nearly a decade.
—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Cocktails on the terrace, dinner at the table, drinks afterwards, then – should the host-cum-guest fancy it – a private DJ and a bit of a dance.
—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
Few teams will fancy their chances against the co-host, which was so well supported by the home crowd.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
At the lower end of the survey’s spectrum and considerably more balanced sits marijuana regulation, with only 31% of respondents considering the topic to be important for people to understand, and 23% of respondents fancying themselves as highly informed on the matter.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fancy
Adjective
-
Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.
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Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.
Adjective
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Attached to it is a giant camera capable of capturing a new, detailed image roughly every 40 seconds, combining speed, sensitivity and an exceptionally wide field of view unmatched by any other ground- or space-based telescope.
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At Moderna's Science Day last Thursday, Cramer said the company presented a detailed roadmap for the next decade that highlighted its growing cancer pipeline alongside newer vaccine programs beyond its Covid franchise.
Noun
-
Destinations that combine crystal-clear seas, warm sand tones and unspoilt scenery consistently stand out as the places people most dream about visiting.
-
Let’s travel path two and figure out how this career part timer doesn’t have to put the rest of their life on hold while the dream career is still TBD.
Noun
-
Grants could be canceled due to political whims, and new layers of bureaucracy would inhibit basic scientific activities like publishing papers and attending conferences.
-
And, of course, for all his whims on the basketball court to come true.
Noun
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They’re designed with a drawstring waistband to adjust the fit to your liking, plus two side pockets, two cargo pockets, and two back pockets to hold your essentials.
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Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.
Noun
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The beautiful Grace Kelly captured the world's attention and imagination (and still does) for decades, but no one was more enamored by the actress than Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
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No one was worried about screentime, and teachers didn't have to battle phones and short attention spans to capture their students' imaginations.
Verb
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Designers have already sketched their answers for WWD, imagining everything from grand couture ballgowns to more unexpected takes on the singer’s bridal era.
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Whatever juju, imagined or self-made, permeating throughout the Braves’ roster over the last few weeks was exorcised Wednesday.
Verb
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Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
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With estimated sales totaling €32 billion and a growth rate between 4-6% for 2025, jewelry seems to be enjoying its brightest summer yet.
Cite this Entry
“Fancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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