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Synonyms for

Imaginary

Adjective / ˌɪˈmædʒʌˌneri: / Another word for imaginary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

existing only in the imagination or not real

Synonyms & similar words

fanciful notional imaginarynumber complexquantity complexnumber fantasy fictional pretend made-up illusory notional unreal fictitious imagined mythical legendary invented dreamlike dreamy visionary phantasmagorical chimerical phantasmal quixotic romantic

Synonyms by register

Formal

hypothetical fictional theoretical unreal

Informal

make-believe pretend bogus phony

Literary

phantasmal visionary chimerical

Antonyms

real actual factual tangible concrete existent true

Common collocations

  • imaginary friend
  • imaginary number
  • imaginary line
  • imaginary world
  • imaginary situation
  • imaginary illness
  • imaginary property

Word family

noun imagination
adjective imaginary
adverb imaginarily

Usage note

Often contrasted with 'real' or 'actual', 'imaginary' refers to something that exists only in the mind or is not based on fact. Be careful not to confuse it with 'imaginative', which describes someone or something that is creative or full of imagination.

Compare "imaginary" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. I have an imaginary friend named Charlie.
  2. The unicorn is an imaginary creature.
  3. The dragon in the story is imaginary.
  4. I like to draw imaginary creatures.
  5. The castle in my drawing is imaginary.

Quotes

  • The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and the memories we've made along the way. - imaginary
  • Life is an illusion, a fleeting shadow on a wall, a dream that will eventually disappear without a trace. - imaginary
  • I'm a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds. - imaginary

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