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Synonyms

futuristic

American  
[fyoo-chuh-ris-tik] / ˌfju tʃəˈrɪs tɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the future.

    a futuristic view of the world.

  2. ahead of the times; advanced.

    futuristic technology.

  3. (sometimes initial capital letter) of or relating to futurism.

    the futuristic rejection of traditional forms.


futuristic British  
/ ˌfjuːtʃəˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

  1. denoting or relating to design, technology, etc, that is thought likely to be current or fashionable at some future time; ultramodern

  2. of or relating to futurism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of futuristic

First recorded in 1910–15; future + -istic


Explanation

Use the adjective futuristic to describe something so new and unfamiliar that it looks like it could come from the future. You might admire your cousin's futuristic, streamlined bicycle helmet. Something that's futuristic is designed in very modern way, like a low, sleek, futuristic car or a strange, futuristic suit of clothing. The word can also describe a work of fiction that's set in the future, like a futuristic thriller which takes place in another galaxy. When it's capitalized, Futuristic means of or about the Futurism art movement, an early twentieth century Italian group that focused on speed, technology, and contemporary industry.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sporting a futuristic leather-textured suit, Lady Gaga can be seen working behind the counter, offering fried chicken to customers and restocking bottled tea in the video clip released on Friday.

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

It began work on Everywhere, intended to be a multiplayer role-playing game set in a futuristic city, before pivoting its focus to action-adventure MindsEye.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

Each piece of clothing within the collection nods to a futuristic past garnished by pops of primary colors while signaling toward a future of “systemized intuition” where utility is the ultimate framework.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

The posts ranged from imagined meetings with George Washington to reshaping Iran in his own image, but some of the most striking portrayed the president commanding futuristic military forces.

From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026

It was the “newest city” of the world, Twain had written—a place where scientists, writers, philosophers, and intellectuals were gathering in cafés and salons to forge a free and futuristic society.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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