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 show’s dedicated to Bruno Bischofberger, the legendary dealer who died last week, and Georg Baselitz, who died the week before that. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026

Though the film included input – and an onscreen role – from the legendary Gene Kelly, it was savaged by critics. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 May 2026

The Land Park location of Sellands at 915 Broadway serves up a wildly eclectic array of American and international fare, although their Swedish meatballs are legendary. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026

Other participating chefs include the legendary Nancy Silverton, Gaggan Anand, and Franco Pepe, who have all featured on the show and its spin-offs. —Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026