apocryphal

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apocryphal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apocryphal are fabulous, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," apocryphal implies an unknown or dubious source or origin or may imply that the thing itself is dubious or inaccurate.

a book that repeats many apocryphal stories

When is fabulous a more appropriate choice than apocryphal?

In some situations, the words fabulous and apocryphal are roughly equivalent. However, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When can fictitious be used instead of apocryphal?

The synonyms fictitious and apocryphal are sometimes interchangeable, but fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

Where would legendary be a reasonable alternative to apocryphal?

The words legendary and apocryphal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

In what contexts can mythical take the place of apocryphal?

The meanings of mythical and apocryphal largely overlap; however, mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

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 apocryphal Jeff Buckley’s mom is finally sharing the story of why an apocryphal biopic about her late son starring Brad Pitt never came to be. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 On the internet of yore, there was an apocryphal story about Jerry Seinfeld supposedly giving advice to software developer and would-be comedian Brad Isaac. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2025 There’s also the apocryphal story of Willie Nelson smoking marijuana during a White House visit; Nelson revealed in Rock & Roll President that the toker was actually Carter’s son. Spin Staff, SPIN, 29 Dec. 2024 How Wisconsin's Sweet Take on the Old-Fashioned Elevated it to State Cocktail Status Thanks to its apocryphal beginnings and statewide brand loyalty, the brandy old-fashioned is the Badger State's go-to cocktail. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for apocryphal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocryphal
Adjective
  • First, because our common narrative framework depends on the past, many people still consider warming through a speculative lens, failing to recognize the severity, and urgency, of superstorms and sea-level rise.
    Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But there was a definite hostage-video vibe to her appearances during the presidential campaign, giving students of body language a speculative field day.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Both games made changes to the core formula that longtime players didn't appreciate, such as an influx of unauthentic skins and a departure from the class system.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Its ability to accurately discern and promptly respond to unauthentic negative reviews allows businesses to maintain a legitimate, trustworthy online image.
    Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 26 July 2023
Adjective
  • These aren’t hypothetical scenarios, but active use cases in pilot programs around the world.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • A lot was still hypothetical, imagined and hopeful about what could be.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The liberal politician was known for his advocacy for undocumented immigrants and Dreamers, banning smoking on public flights, and efforts to lower credit card fees, among other policy initiatives.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Governor Ron DeSantis recently endorsed child labor as a fix for worker shortages caused by mass deportations and by a new state law criminalizing undocumented immigrants.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This month, après-ski parties of this unruly sort are taking over the slopes across North America to celebrate downhill skiing’s legendary pond skim.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Paul, who defeated the legendary Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in November 2024, carries a professional record of 11-1 with 7 KOs. Chavez Jr., 39, a former world champion, has a pro record of 54-6-1 with 34 KOs.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, for example, can yet orchestrate a theoretical swing of close to £12million ($16m), a significant sum for those requiring summer rebuilds on finite resources.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, the risk of diversion from Plaintiff's sales is more than theoretical—the government can prove that Plaintiff actually sold LSD to a minor as well as an undercover officer.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the early 1920s, tens of thousands of people across the United States, many of whom had never set foot in Florida, made down payments on unbuilt lots in the Sunshine State, lured in by fanciful brochures and fast-talking salespeople.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Its cream background is overlaid with fanciful doodles of oranges, farfalle pasta, wine, playing cards, and other feel-good finds that emphasize the beauty found in the ordinary.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The series titles alludes to mythical and powerful ancient artifacts from the game universe.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The First Shadow is a stand-alone prequel to the series, and its creators say the play is, in fact, canon to its mythical universe, and could be referenced in the upcoming Season Five of the series.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apocryphal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocryphal. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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