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

The legendary actor, director, comedian and producer, who turns 99 on June 28, 2025, kicked off his career in comedy by helping fellow funnyman Sid Caesar with hisYour Show of Shows. —Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 June 2025

In the 80s, Jack Penrod launched his beachfront operation in Fort Lauderdale, where his original Penrod’s Beach Club became legendary for its high-energy spring break crowds, MTV appearances, and larger-than-life atmosphere. —Nikki Beach Club, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025

The band is also known for its killer, free-wheeling live shows and for having fostered an almost legendary connection with its fans. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 26 June 2025

Set 30 years after Happy's legendary win, Happy Gilmore 2 finds the foul-mouthed underdog dusting off his clubs and coming out of retirement for another round, this time to raise money to cover his daughter's elite ballet school tuition. —Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025