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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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
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
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
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
Noun
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The lawyers had requested that the Justice Department website be temporarily shut down and that an independent monitor be appointed to ensure no further errors occurred.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The chief human resources officer at $76 billion giant Colgate-Palmolive, Sally Massey, dispelled the myths that Gen Z only brings high standards and chaos to the workplace.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Mitchell, who had religious delusions, had previously worked as a roofer on the family’s house.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
16 Feb. 2026
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Troublingly, there are unfolding layers of delusion too.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And the safety of inaction is an illusion.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
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Lea Haddad's luscious, curly mane no doubt employs some invisible layers to lighten the load, but the overall appearance gives the illusion of the same sharp, heavy-ended finish created by blunt cuts.—
Krista Carter,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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