fabulist

noun

fab·​u·​list ˈfa-byə-list How to pronounce fabulist (audio)
Synonyms of fabulist
1
: a creator or writer of fables
2
: liar
fabulist adjective
or fabulistic
ˌfa-byə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce fabulist (audio)

Synonyms of fabulist

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Examples of fabulist in a Sentence

a once highly admired journalist whose reputation is now that of a disgraced fabulist
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The defense denied the allegations, claiming that Davis was a serial fabulist seeking to entertain and profit off long-standing rumors connecting him to the case. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Jason Arday, a neurodivergent Black Cambridge professor who was feted as a wunderkind by some and denigrated as a fabulist by others, resigned earlier this month amidst accusations of plagiarism. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 Academia—like business, electoral politics, and the tech sector—has loads of fabulists and tons of bunk. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026 His role model is, of course, the political disrupter and fabulist-in-chief currently occupying the White House. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabulist

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Middle French fabuliste, from Latin fābula "talk, account, fable entry 1" + French -iste -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fabulist was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

fabulator
fabulist
fabulize
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Cite this Entry

“Fabulist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fabulist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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