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

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 legendary The film chronicles the record label that launched the careers of legendary artists, including James Brown, Wynonie Harris, Hank Ballard, Little Willie John and The Stanley Brothers. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 4 Oct. 2025 Along the way, Juano offered bits of mountaineering history and recounted legendary first ascents of the jagged peaks surrounding us. Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025 And while many slices at restaurants and bakeries around town are beloved, Kermit’s has achieved legendary status. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 He was enthralled to discover how the legendary couturier translated very severe and austere lines into light and supple garments, meticulously choosing the right fabrics and putting air between them and the wearer. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legendary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legendary
mythical
Adjective
  • Visitors can see the Headless Horseman Bridge and statue, and even eat a burger named after the mythical character.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Images of mythical creatures — goblins, dragons, flying horses — flash behind her.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legendary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legendary. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legendary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!