Synonyms of legendary

legendary

adjective

ˈle-jən-ˌder-ē 

as in mythical

based on, described in, or being a myth

the unicorn is a legendary creature

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mythical
• famed
• fabled
• mythological
• fabulous
• fictional
• storied
• fictitious
• invented
• imaginary
• romanticized
• chimerical
• fanciful
• fantastic
• unreal
• make-believe
• imagined
• fabricated
• allegorical
• pretend
• made-up
• semilegendary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• real
• historical
• real-world
• true
• existent
• factual
• confirmed
• established
• authentic
• genuine
• real-life
• proven
• bona fide
• validated
• attested
• authenticated
• substantiated
• verified

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

Recent Examples of legendary

The legendary Spanish marque disappeared from the motorcycle scene decades ago, leaving behind a trail of lightweight two-strokes, racing trophies and enough cult following to keep its name alive long after the factory doors had closed. — Bultaco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026

The move has remained through the seasons, growing legendary and referred to by fans as #Browsey. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Their adventure takes them from the icy fjords of Norway through Byzantine intrigue and along the legendary Silk Road, bringing together Viking grit, ancient Chinese wisdom, unexpected alliances and a touch of magic. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026

Cunningham and Binda worked with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev at the Boston Ballet and Cunningham did freelance choreography for different companies before coming to Sacramento. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026