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
Related Words
Relevance
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 folktales
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
Atmospheric principles and folktales, spirit and substance, opposites and inversions.
—
Literary Hub,
3 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
The story centered on a young Palestinian man living in Jerusalem who must save his family after a Ghouleh, a female demon from his grandmother’s folktales, arrive in his town and threatens his home.
—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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
Atmospheric principles and folktales, spirit and substance, opposites and inversions.
—
Literary Hub,
3 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
The story centered on a young Palestinian man living in Jerusalem who must save his family after a Ghouleh, a female demon from his grandmother’s folktales, arrive in his town and threatens his home.
—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktales
Noun
-
Daily tales of war and violence around the world made one want to clench one’s fists, grit one’s teeth, and to shout out in a paean of outraged hysteria.
-
Hopefully, these three will be among the final cautionary tales of poor draft decisions.
Noun
-
After a halftime break honoring Sparks and Liberty legends, the Sparks seemed rejuvenated for the final 20 minutes.
-
These Levi’s legends are sufficiently roomy, sit below the waist, and can be bought in a myriad of colorways.
Noun
-
As a coastal town shaped by generations of immigrants, Half Moon Bay now has a new art display that serves as a reminder of the people and stories that continue to define the community.
-
The board was also expected to vote Friday on a new social studies curriculum that links Bible stories with American history.
Noun
-
Nseyo notes there are plenty of unsupported myths around what causes UTIs, so stick to these tips.
-
Effective public speaking is crucial for personal branding and career advancement, a skill anyone can develop by replacing common myths with empowering mindsets.
Noun
-
Such false narratives are dangerous.
-
Pushing those narratives forward for the time being means more than this weekend’s series against the Dodgers or next week’s four-game trek to Chavez Ravine.
Noun
-
Many histories of invasive species concern the life-forms that have been intentionally or accidentally introduced from Europe.
-
Throughout the book, Pryor asks readers to look beneath and beyond public debates and to confront the histories and experiences that give words their power.
Noun
-
Her character had several romances in the following seasons, including with Nathan Grant.
-
Here, Laura, a magazine writer in London, drifts through old friendships, failed romances, and the gothic banalities of family life.
Cite this Entry
“Folktales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktales. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
