Fanciful: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'fanciful' when describing something that is imaginative but unrealistic or not grounded in reality. It often has a playful or dreamlike quality.

• She had a fanciful idea about building a castle in the sky.
• The story was filled with fanciful characters and magical places.

Use 'imaginative' to describe something or someone that shows a lot of imagination. It is used to highlight the ability to think of original and unusual ideas.

• Her imaginative storytelling captivated the entire audience.
• The designer came up with an imaginative solution for the space.

Use 'creative' when referring to someone or something that shows originality and inventiveness. It is commonly used in positive contexts to describe artistic or innovative abilities.

• He has a very creative approach to solving problems.
• The children were engaged in a creative activity, making their own artwork.

Use 'whimsical' when describing something that is playful or mischievously charming. It often has a lighthearted and quirky quality.

• The garden was decorated with whimsical sculptures and fairy lights.
• His whimsical sense of humor always made people laugh.

Can also be used in a negative sense to describe ideas or thoughts that are unrealistic or impractical.

• His plans for the new project were deemed too fanciful by the team.
• She has a fanciful notion that she can become a world-famous artist overnight.

Used when describing something that is highly decorated with complex patterns and details, often referring to objects, architecture, or writing.

• The ornate chandelier hung majestically in the grand hall.
• The poem's ornate language can be difficult to understand.

Generally carries a negative connotation, indicating that something has been decorated too much, making it look gaudy or excessive.

• The room felt cramped and overdecorated with so many pictures and trinkets.
• Her wedding dress was beautiful, but some thought it was overdecorated.

Describes someone who is overly concerned with small details or has excessive particular needs.

• He is very fussy about how his clothes are organized.
• The baby is being fussy and won't stop crying.