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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mythical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mythical are apocryphal, fabulous, fictitious, and legendary. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

When is apocryphal a more appropriate choice than mythical?

In some situations, the words apocryphal and mythical 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 mythical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mythical, 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 mythical?

While the synonyms fictitious and mythical are close in meaning, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When can legendary be used instead of mythical?

The words legendary and mythical can be used in similar contexts, but legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

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 mythical The site also hosts the Temple of Athena Nike—whose name refers to a hybridization of Athena and Nike, the goddess of victory—and the Erechtheion, which was dedicated to Athena, the mythical king Erechtheus and Poseidon, the god of the sea. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025 What makes the book so extraordinary is that is functions as a de facto catalogue for a mythical Rolex museum, chock full of images of timepieces from every Rolex era, dating to 1908, three years after the brand was founded. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 May 2025 The mythical creature is said to be the origin of the first Vietnamese people. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025 The plot of the game, which takes place in a mythical realm known as the Lands Between, revolves around the Elden Ring, a powerful artifact that has been shattered, plunging the Lands Between into war and chaos. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mythical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mythical
Adjective
  • From navy lieutenant to chief executive officer to chairman emeritus, Leonard A. Lauder had many titles during his legendary life.
    Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • There are so many iconic places to see on this legendary route, including the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles and Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The play was a commission from the fabled Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and as in much art, the brief of the commission determined the play’s path.
    Adam Moss, Vulture, 30 May 2025
  • Over a six-decade career, Kirby created or co-created some of Marvel Comics’ most fabled heroes: the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, and the groundbreaking Black Panther.
    Michael Callahan, Air Mail, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, so realistic was this pretend moon that Cowan and fellow imaging experts had to wear protective clothing to prevent the simulated lunar dust from being breathed in, or getting in their hair or on their clothes.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025
  • Some of our favorite series deliver some of the finest pretend motion pictures.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • People on social media have been commenting about the idea of only one person surviving the crash, calling it unreal, remarkable, a work of divine intervention, and a miracle.
    Lisa Baumann, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary month and the energy surrounding it, is just one example of how one small place can create a powerful, reverberating experience that goes well beyond those unreal sunsets and too beautiful blue waters.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Answer: Minnesota Who was Riley’s childhood imaginary friend?
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • Like the ugly duckling, new employees often internalize the stressful discomforts caused by real or imaginary signs of mistrust or rejection.
    Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Standing in for the Duke of Hastings’ fictional Clyvedon Castle in season one, this real-life Baroque masterpiece is located in North Yorkshire, England, and has been in the Howard family for more than three centuries.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • The film takes place in 2020 — yes, that 2020 — in the most visceral way, with the anti-mask local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) of the fictional Eddington, New Mexico, facing off against the town’s COVID-guideline-advocate mayor, played by Pedro Pascal (the second of his three summer releases).
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the film, a massive great white shark hunts people swimming in the water surrounding the fictitious Amity Island.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Ever since Max began streaming the drama about life in a fictitious Pittsburgh emergency room, it’s been one pinch-me moment after another for Wyle and his fellow executive producers John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mythical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mythical. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

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