Definition

Describing something that is imaginary or unrealistic, often created by a wild imagination.

Example

His chimerical ideas about flying cars and underwater cities fascinated everyone.

Conversation

I had the most chimerical dream last night about flying elephants.

That sounds wild! What else happened in your dream?

There were also castles made of candy and singing flowers.

Wow, your imagination really takes you on some fantastic adventures!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chimerical → It is formed from "chimera" (from Greek "khimaira", meaning a mythical creature composed of different animals) and the suffix "-ical" (meaning pertaining to or relating to). The word "chimerical" describes something that is fantastical or imaginary, often in a way that is unrealistic or illusory, much like the mythical chimera itself.

Memory Tip

Imagine a mythical creature made of different parts, like a chimera, to remember that chimerical means something fantastical or imaginary.

Visually Confused Words