Synonym Chooser

How is the word legendary distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of legendary are apocryphal, fabulous, fictitious, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

When would apocryphal be a good substitute for legendary?

In some situations, the words apocryphal and legendary are roughly equivalent. However, apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

In what contexts can fabulous take the place of legendary?

While the synonyms fabulous and legendary are close in meaning, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When might fictitious be a better fit than legendary?

While in some cases nearly identical to legendary, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When could mythical be used to replace legendary?

The synonyms mythical and legendary are sometimes interchangeable, but mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of legendary Hosted at the legendary Tramp nightclub with moreish margaritas mixed by Don Julio, step inside the party, below. Olivia Allen, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025 Additionally, legendary production designer Carl Jules Weyl was inducted into the ADG Hall of Fame. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025 Her two 50-point performances this season have one-upped USC star JuJu Watkins, who hung 51 points on Stanford and legendary coach Tara VanDerveer last season as a freshman. The Athletic College Basketball Staff, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 In front of legendary Drag Race alum Alyssa Edwards, in a guest appearance as a judge, the contestants competed as their interpretations of iconic personalities like Eddie Murphy and Trisha Paytas, as well as creating their own original characters like Miss Bigfeet and Baby Cupid. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for legendary 

Thesaurus Entries Near legendary

Cite this Entry

“Legendary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legendary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legendary

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