Quick answer
Chimera means an impossible dream, illusion, or mythical fire-breathing creature. It is usually pronounced ky-MEER-uh, and today it is mostly used in stylized, literary, or playful contexts.
Word page
Chimera
Chimera means an impossible dream, illusion, or mythical fire-breathing creature. It belongs to magical, mythic, and mysterious words and works best in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor. You are more likely to meet it in literary, humorous, or deliberately stylized writing than in everyday speech.
At a glance
magicmythicmysterious
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, chimera refers to an impossible dream, illusion, or mythical fire-breathing creature. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Chimera feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Chimera is generally traced to greek via Latin. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Chimera is rare today and mostly appears in literary, humorous, historical, or deliberately stylized contexts. That rarity is part of the fun: it sounds chosen rather than automatic.
Example sentences
- The promise of effortless prosperity turned out to be a chimera.
- For years the inventor chased a chimera that ignored the laws of physics.
- In mythology, the Chimera was imagined as a terrifying composite beast.
- The novel treats perfect justice as a beautiful but fragile chimera.
When should you use this word?
Use chimera when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor.
Similar words
Illusion, Fantasy, Pipe dream, Delusion, Mirage
Opposite or contrasting words
Reality, Certainty, Attainable goal
Common questions
- What does chimera mean? an impossible dream, illusion, or mythical fire-breathing creature.
- How do you pronounce chimera? It is commonly pronounced ky-MEER-uh.
- Is chimera still used today? Chimera is rare today and mostly appears in literary, humorous, historical, or deliberately stylized contexts. That rarity is part of the fun: it sounds chosen rather than automatic.
- When should you use chimera? Use chimera when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor.
- What words are similar to chimera? Similar words include Illusion, Fantasy, Pipe dream, and Delusion.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.