urban legend

noun

variants also urban myth
Definition of urban legendnext
as in hearsay

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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 urban legend Contrary to urban legend, Franco never tried out for Inter. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 27 May 2026 It was then recycled on social media by anti-Israel partisans who amplified the slur into an urban legend. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 The mystery of Buzzy's disappearance remains one of the most infamous urban legends in Disney parks history, but for Bailey, the story is about more than just a missing robot. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 As Dyer notes, the essence of an urban legend is that it’s always told at a remove; this happened to a friend of mine… In this case, the third party might have been the person who convinced Cox his attacker was a giant squid. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urban legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urban legend
  1. hearsay
  2. noise
  3. rumor
  4. report
  5. dish
  6. gossip
  7. talk
  8. intimation
Noun
  • While Westerly has proven not to be – despite internet hearsay – the site of pop megastar Taylor Swift's approaching wedding, the seaside town remains a favorite vacation destination of Swift's.
    — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026
  • Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of hearsay
Noun
  • Later, the Taurus Moon enters your 3rd House of Communication, helping simple words calm the noise around you today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As the noises grew louder, Anyanwu tried calling a neighborhood-watch group, then some friends, but the calls didn’t connect.
    — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of noise
Noun
  • George Kirby, who has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the weekend leading up to Monday’s trading deadline, pitched seven shutout innings for Seattle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The 2026 All-Star isn’t focusing on rumors as the Royals evaluate.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rumor
Noun
  • New images circulating online appear to show what defense analysts believe is the fifth prototype of China’s sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet, according to a report.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Associated Press journalists Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of report
Noun
  • There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are handmade pickle boards and serving dishes from local artists, as well as wooden play trucks toting pickle barrels for the youngest of pickle fans.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of dish
Noun
  • Hilton, a gossip blogger whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, was taken to a hospital late Tuesday, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to multiple outlets, after his disturbing livestream prompted police calls from multiple fans.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Perez Hilton‘s children were inside the home moments before the celebrity gossip blogger started his disturbing livestream, his family has revealed.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of gossip
Noun
  • Iran has also denied any talks with the US, saying its talks with Oman are strictly bilateral.
    — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s talks ended early due to the escalation on the ground.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Any intimations of exclusivity have gone out the window, just like the liquor bottles, condoms — and one TV — flung from balconies.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Lately, those intimations have hit closer to home.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026
Definition of intimation

Browse Nearby Words

urbanizing
urban legend
urban sprawl
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Cite this Entry

“Urban legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urban%20legend. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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