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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:

“I call him a futuristic Big Ben,” Donald said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026

The technology is decidedly futuristic, but the company has deliberately preserved a person at the point of service.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

Film fans have had plenty of chances to spot Glasgow on the big screen in recent years, from superhero blockbusters to futuristic sci-fi thrillers.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

If you aspire to live in a futuristic utopia, perhaps this five-bedroom, six-bath bit of cosmic architecture is what you need.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026

As futuristic and outdated at the same time?

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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