old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' talenext
as in error
a false idea or belief the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 old wives' tale Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025 Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025 According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. — Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
  1. error
  2. myth
  3. delusion
  4. illusion
Noun
  • However, a dangerous push to cut these crucial programs, especially in Africa, risks repeating past errors and ceding influence to competitors.
    — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong’s infield single tied the game, and another run scored on the play from a Royals throwing error.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Drawing on lessons from a successful telecom infrastructure acquisition, this article explores three common myths founders should reconsider when preparing their businesses for a potential exit.
    — Amit Jain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The lunar program, for example, is named for the goddess Chang’e, described in a 4,000-year-old myth, who is celebrated each year at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Partway through the season, Straczynski noticed O’Hare developing symptoms of psychosis, including paranoid delusions.
    — JP Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The 29-year-old Christian Faith Madison died after walking into traffic, with her family arguing that the OpenAI chatbot had fueled her religious delusions during their extensive interactions, pushing her over the edge by romanticizing death.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 23 July 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Neither side, however, is under any illusion about the nature of the enduring competition.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As the bartender quieted whatever terrible hair-metal mixtape had been playing over the house PA, and the lights glowed red on the stage, Ryan was trying to create the illusion of a behind-the-curtain, big-stage, rock star entrance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

old-timey
old wives' tale
old wives' tales
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Cite this Entry

“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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