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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tales
Noun
-
This redundancy allows the system to correct errors that naturally creep in.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Aug. 2025 -
While a necropsy found that the leash and IV tubes did not contribute to the dog’s death, the shelter conducted an internal review and promised accountability for any missteps, acknowledging that procedural errors were made.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Autumn Johnson, executive director of Arizona solar advocacy group AriSEIA, said myths about solar energy have flourished in communities across the state, stalling the construction of cheap, deployable electricity when the state needs it most.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
7 Dec. 2025
-
The blue turf is iconic and the stuff of myths.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
3 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The idea of blocking states from regulating AI has received broad pushback in recent months amid a string of reports highlighting risks of the technology causing delusions or contributing to self-harm among users, or exposing children to sexualized, adult material.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Obsessively talking with a bot about fantasy football could lead to delusions, just the same as could talking with a bot about impossible schematics for a time machine.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
India will try to pursue a stable relationship with China, without any illusions of deep partnership.—
JAMES CRABTREE,
Foreign Affairs,
3 Dec. 2025
-
His fight against the lure of the Upside Down is bolstered by strong performances from its talented cast, mind-bending illusions, and some serious jump scares that will keep you on the edge of your seat.—
EW Staff December 2,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Knicks fans’ superstitions surrounding the purse may have been exacerbated after the team’s 115-111 loss to the Spurs on Monday.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
-
However, the fact that the monster is dressed like a pirate suggests that the seagull’s presence is symbolic, invoking sailor superstitions around sea birds.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tales. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
