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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 The legendary comedian and SNL alum, 64, was hosting the sketch comedy’s Christmas episode, which brought out droves of celebrity fans, Che said. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 Lawrence told journalists in San Sebastian that legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese first handed her Harwicz’s book and pushed her to star and produce an adaption. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025 The legendary toy retailer was a household name for decades before declaring bankruptcy and closing all stores in 2018. Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025 Collins’ father ran for 804 yards as a sophomore in 1987 under legendary coach Herb Hill, so watch out for the son. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legendary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legendary
mythical
Adjective
  • Young Pokémon trainers Liko, Roy, and Dot continue their journey to find the mythical Laqua and face new challenges along the way.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The note mentions that more details about Dale’s death are tucked inside more paperbacks on his shelves, thereby connecting Lee’s twin obsessions — musty old books and the mythic quest to shine light in Tulsa’s dark corners.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Legendary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legendary. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legendary

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