Synonyms of legendary

legendary

adjective

ˈle-jən-ˌder-ē 

as in mythic

based on, described in, or being a myth

the unicorn is a legendary creature

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mythic
• mythical
• fabled
• mythological
• famed
• fabulous
• mythologic
• fictional
• storied
• fictitious
• fantastical
• invented
• imaginary
• chimeric
• romanticized
• chimerical
• fanciful
• unreal
• fantastic
• 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

Sheryl Lee Ralph just added another legendary milestone to her résumé, and this one is forever. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Apr. 2025

That’s not the only tweak planned for this legendary ride. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025

It was first owned by legendary dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, who acquired it in 1892 and whose family retained ownership until 1955. —Karen K. Ho For Artnews, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025

Born and raised in South Africa, Lee is the daughter of legendary South African agent and casting director, Moonyeenn Lee. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025