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

Developed by Nintendo, the video game introduced players to the Mushroom Kingdom and launched the legendary series starring the plumber Mario and his brother Luigi. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 13 Sep. 2025

The legendary performer had frequented that particular hospital during the last years of his life, according to ABC News. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 12 Sep. 2025

The second verse is no less random, with lyrics about moonwalking on a UFO, dropping bars while brushing teeth and a shout out to legendary 2001 blaxploitation-adjacent comedy Pootie Tang. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, the legendary barbecue rib spot tucked into a downtown alley since 1948, remains a symbol of stability in a city thrust into the national spotlight. —Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025