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

George Clooney is looking back at one of the more surreal moments from his early Hollywood days — getting personally scolded by the legendary Frank Sinatra. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025

The Ravens' defense held Chicago to two field goals, and then Henry was able to power his way into the endzone for another touchdown on the season, and in his legendary career. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

The Midnight riff comes to us from Sam Ross, then of the legendary Milk & Honey, and turns the classic into a sour, bringing lemon juice to tart up the old Stinger profile but subbing bourbon for Cognac and Fernet Branca for the mint liqueur. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025

After dinner, pop into Bhan Kanom Thai for dessert (the adventurous can follow that with a walk to the legendary go-go bar Jumbo’s Clown Room). —Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025