fanciful

American  

[fan-si-fuhl] / ˈfæn sɪ fəl /

adjective

1. characterized by or showing fancy; capricious or whimsical in appearance.

   a fanciful design of butterflies and flowers.

2. suggested by fancy; imaginary; unreal.

   fanciful lands of romance.

   Synonyms:

   illusory, baseless, visionary

3. led by fancy rather than by reason and experience; whimsical.

   a fanciful mind.

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fanciful British  

/ ˈfænsɪfʊl /

adjective

1. not based on fact; dubious or imaginary

   fanciful notions

2. made or designed in a curious, intricate, or imaginative way

3. indulging in or influenced by fancy; whimsical

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Other Word Forms

• fancifully adverb
• fancifulness noun
• overfanciful adjective
• overfancifully adverb
• overfancifulness noun
• unfanciful adjective

Etymology

Origin of fanciful

First recorded in 1620–30; fancy + -ful

Example Sentences

Even the seemingly fanciful suggestion of annexing Greenland is back in the headlines.

From Barron's

His fanciful inspirations, construction of his clothing and expressions of affection from his supporters decorate the pages.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thus arose the fanciful idea that a return to Jordan Hot Springs would allow me to see into the future by looking at the past.

From Los Angeles Times

Many on the other side of the argument would recognise his concern that this debate has become corrosive, but the idea that they will simply give up and accept defeat is fanciful.

From BBC

Just a few months ago, the prospect of Paul facing Joshua seemed fanciful, but he has now ticked that off his wishlist.

From BBC

Related Words

• absurd
• bizarre
• extravagant
• fantastic
• fantastical
• fictional
• imaginative
• offbeat
• preposterous
• unreal
• whimsical