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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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 The body horror of birth gives way to the fairy-tale horror of early motherhood, which McBride, a translator based in Barcelona, strews with literary Easter eggs from folktales and Victorian poetry. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Disney made its name on the back of fairy and folktales, retelling centuries-old stories and giving them a fresh new spin for modern audiences. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktales
Noun
  • In forums on Reddit, women share tales of having perimenopause and menopause symptoms misdiagnosed or dismissed as mental health disorders, early-onset dementia, or autoimmune issues, resulting in months or years of unnecessary testing.
    Yulin Hswen, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Vedder’s elliptical tales of adolescent trauma were a perfect fit with music that blended classic-rock tropes (especially McCready’s solos) with punk energy, grunge guitar tones and the groove-heavy vibe of early-Nineties alt-rock.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Even though it was recorded remotely, their new version of the song is incredibly soulful, the effortless meeting of two legends who were clearly meant to harmonize together.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Our state is a pigskin peninsula that has spent generations producing quarterback legends.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • During their visit, the wife talked incessantly, sharing stories about their family members in great detail.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Elwood’s conversations with CNN were peppered with alarming stories and punctuated by his broad, disarming laugh.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One of the more popular myths accepted as fact is that the WNBA has bricked the breakaway slam dunk that is Caitlin Clark phenomenon.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The movie is inspired by Gavras’ affinity for mythology, having grown up listening to his father interweave tales with myths.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Story facilitation, a process of helping individuals discover and articulate their experiences as meaningful narratives, empowers leaders and teams.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In an era of polarization and oversimplified historical narratives, American women need not nostalgia but a new fleet of American Girls who can tell difficult, dangerous, heartbreaking and tenacious stories of lives past.
    Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Despite this, and no matter their individual circumstances or histories, the former in-group felt that they were expected to express shame over their privilege.
    Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For English readers, whose cultures and histories have largely been defined by the individual, Anedda’s more collective interpretation of an identity repudiates social definitions.
    Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • By blending family drama, steamy romances, and picturesque lakeside views, the series has captured millions of viewers and even secured an early season 2 renewal.
    Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Then there are the theatergoers, which at this theater means those who appreciate classic romances and comedies but are also not afraid of new works.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

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“Folktales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktales. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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