fairy tale

noun

Definition of fairy talenext
as in lie
a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive did you really see a bear, or are you telling us another one of your fairy tales?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fairy tale Kindergarten teachers say that many of their students don’t know nursery rhymes or fairy tales, Benjamin Powers, the director of Yale and the University of Connecticut’s Haskins Global Literacy Hub, told me. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The Disneyland horticulture team maintains the natural landscaping that provides realistic proportions for the miniature scenery along the fairy tale boat journey. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 Her astute observations — and solid Disney fairy tale references — don't stop there. — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Taylor Alison Swift, pop star, billionaire, fairy tale officionado, is not about to have a McDonald’s wedding. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fairy tale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fairy tale
  1. lie
  2. tale
  3. story
Noun
  • In the neck lie rectifying plates—one plate in the wash still, 17 in the spirit still—which allows for precision control over the whisky, as well as higher ABV distillate than a traditional pot setup.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • JetBlue's lie-flat Mint business class, which is used on longer-haul flights like cross-country trips and flights to European destinations including Paris, London and Milan, will only have the Standard and Flex option.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of lie
Noun
  • In her 2018 novel, Miller reimagines the witch’s tale as one of a woman’s becoming.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Each week, writer and producer Steve Cubine, who actually lives near the Hollywood Sign, and actress/writer Nan McNamara explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • In the comics and his origin story movie, Johnny sells his soul to the devil Mephisto in order to cure his father’s cancer.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Homeowners at The Club at Brickell Bay, a 43-story condo that’s a popular Airbnb destination, had scheduled a visit from city code compliance inspectors who planned to gather evidence of hazardous building code and short-term rental violations.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of story

Browse Nearby Words

fairylike
fairy tale
fairy tales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fairy tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fairy%20tale. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fairy tale

Nglish: Translation of fairy tale for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fairy tale

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