folktales

plural of folktale
as in tales
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

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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.
Recent Examples of folktales Irving may have been influenced by German folktales about a man who slept for 20 years, or European stories of terrifying headless riders, but these stories were set in rural New York state, with a distinctly American voice and references. Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 28 June 2026 Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations. Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Comprising more than 300 folktales and legends from northern Norway, including many from the coastal Sámi and the Skolt Sámi of eastern Finland, this anthology shares narratives told by fishers, farmers, reindeer herders, lay preachers and teachers. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 This ecology is woven into our folktales and culture. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 Below, see the streamer’s list of authors to watch, from contemporary folktales and family dramas to dark fantasy and spicy time travel tales. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025 The company is also tapping into Asia’s rich pipeline of source material, from webtoons and web novels to traditional literature and folktales. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 To keep her on track, Hero tells Cherry stories each night, loosely adapting the framework of the classic collection of Arabic folktales One Thousand and One Nights. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktales
Noun
  • Now 94, Cynthia still entertains with tales of bygone Barbados at the family's regular guest cocktail parties, whilst dinner is underscored by jazz singers and instrumentalists.
    Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Among the most famous tales is that of Prince Ivan Kanitovski, who was reportedly murdered shortly after acquiring it.
    Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • That inaugural concert featured future legends Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Gang Starr, Black Moon, and A Tribe Called Quest.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 July 2026
  • The annual ESPYs kept the Knicks’ NBA Championship celebration going Wednesday with performances by four New York rap legends.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Every day, Cord Shiflet drives 200 miles round trip from Austin, helping survivors tell their stories, connecting them with resources and raising more than $50,000 for affected families through Facebook.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Their service stories had many similarities, and their appreciation for their Honor Flight experience was wonderful to hear about.
    Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The Cook County Department of Public Health is working to counteract vaccine misinformation, myths and confusion regarding vaccines as part of its efforts to increase vaccination rates.
    Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • The filmmaker who has spent his career defending the theatrical experience adapts one of literature’s foundational myths on an enormous scale.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Sunday’s World Cup final will be contested by Spain and Argentina, and there are narratives to be unpacked all over the pitch.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • The real opportunity is to move beyond policies and narratives that pit specialties against one another.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • Criminal histories can also continue to limit access to social support or higher earnings.
    Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Models should pay extra attention to patients with rare diseases, complex comorbidities or healthcare histories that look significantly different from the data used for training.
    Subba Rao Katragadda, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Bryce debuted on As the World Turns in 1982 as the charming but oft self-destructive Craig Montgomery, known for his manipulative schemes and unlucky romances.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
  • Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s relationship just might be one of Hollywood’s most whirlwind romances.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Folktales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktales. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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