as in errors
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tales
Noun
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Though Boston dealt with defensive issues, leading the league with 116 errors, the team clearly has a bright future.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025 -
The Wolverines then made three consecutive hitting errors, essentially putting the set out of reach.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Reporters retraced parts of the Oregon Trail, panned for gold in California and followed the myths and realities of Paul Revere's 1775 ride from Boston as the Redcoats moved in, among other travels that still resonate today.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Forces of good and evil collide in a terrifying film where real-world challenges crash headlong into other worldly creatures and myths.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Guiteau had childhood traumas and delusions of grandeur, but his desire to find purpose through public service is presented as at least partially earnest.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
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But if reality is infused with consciousness, this does at least open up the possibility that mystical experiences might be genuine insights into the nature of reality rather than just strange psychological delusions.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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To stop this quarterback, Mizzou can’t get tricked by his illusions.—
Chase Gemes,
Kansas City Star,
24 Oct. 2025
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What illusions have been too sweet to let go of?—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Read on to learn about some of the pre-pageant superstitions, rituals and traditions maintained by Miss USA contestants from across the country.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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How Superstitions Impact Modern Life and Pregnacy Pregnancy and childbirth are major life changes, and with that may come feelings of nervousness, excitement, even fear—and some of these feelings could present themselves as superstitions.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
23 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tales. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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