FABLE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

fable

noun

ˈfā-bəl

Definition of fable

as in allegory

a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life this classic Christmas film is essentially a fable showing how every person's life has meaning and touches the lives of others

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as in myth

a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature according to an ancient fable the waters of the mountain spring are the tears of a woman weeping for her lost children

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as in tale

something that is the product of the imagination the stories of lost cities of gold may have been fables deliberately concocted by Native Americans to dupe the Spanish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lie

a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive the fables that people tell themselves to rationalize their failures and shortcomings

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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 fable Few eras of Greek history compare to the ancient times that the country has become so synonymous with—the cinematic fables of Odysseus, comic-book lore of Leonidas, and philosophic creeds of Socrates are ever-present in pop culture. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 The Holbrook sisters are undersocialized and inexperienced with the world, and Herzog sees them as figures out of a fable, dreamers who talk incessantly about love and seem connected to the elemental and the ancient. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Abstract Deer Deer are the center of countless fairytales, fables, and general folklore. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 Sullivan’s Anne first aired on PBS the very same night, for instance, that the erotic multicultural dance fable Flashdance was first shown on network TV. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fable

Noun

Mungiu may have a less sadistic streak and a more active camera, but the two filmmakers share a particular commitment to narrative indeterminacy, devising intricate yet incomplete crime-story plots that function broadly as sociopolitical allegories.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
In East of Eden, Pugh delivers yet another knock out performance as Cathy Ames, the distant mother and madam at the center of Steinbeck’s multigenerational family saga and biblical allegory.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of allegory

Noun

The drama mixes battlefield action with a tale of conflicted allegiances and the dangers of undercover work in hostile territory.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Flanagan is the prolific horror writer-director who has tackled several Stephen King tales (Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, Carrie) and delivered several limited series hits for Netflix (Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher).

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of tale

Noun

There’s a reason why political stories are often chosen as parables for moral compromise.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
As nightmare thought experiments shape the fight over how to govern a multitrillion-dollar industry, some experts say the parables may lead decision-makers astray.

— Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of parable

Noun

Its roots in Southern music run deep and broad; big band leader Erskine Hawkins, composer and musician Sun Ra, country legend Emmylou Harris, and trap pioneer Gucci Mane were born here.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Americana musician Brandi Carlile just wrapped a three-night stint at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and fans who attended the Saturday show got a special surprise when she was joined by ‘90s rock legend Alanis Morissette.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of legend

Noun

Forty-five films are selected for the fiction shortlist including Cannes 2026 Palme d’Or winner Fjord, Venice Golden Lion winner Woman Unknown and awards season frontrunners such as La Bola Negra and Coward.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Professor Dixon’s emails were just like his fiction writing—intimate and full of quotidian details.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of fiction

Noun

After the boutique’s statement, Clarkson doubled down on her claims on her Instagram stories with photos featuring a price tag on the bird that contradicted the shop’s first statement.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Some economists, including researchers at the Minneapolis Fed, argue the data don’t tell such a clean story.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of story

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fab

fable

fabled

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Style

“Fable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fable. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fable

noun

Example Sentences

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