as in tale
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people
West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling
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Recent Examples of folktale
Kingston’s book, a radical scrambling of folktale, myth, and autobiography, is largely fiction but was initially received as a straightforward memoir—exactly the kind of stereotypical immigrant story Kingston had tried to avoid.
—
Jane Hu, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025
The Swimming Pool What folktale begins with a blacksmith in Michigan and ends with a bullfrog in New Jersey?
—John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Canada and the United States Indigenous tribes across what is now Canada and the northern United States (including Alaska) have myriad folktales surrounding the celestial dance.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2024
Nair’s early exposure to traditional folktales and the lush landscapes of his homeland would later inform his distinct narrative style.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for folktale
Jane Hu, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025
The Swimming Pool What folktale begins with a blacksmith in Michigan and ends with a bullfrog in New Jersey?
—John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Canada and the United States Indigenous tribes across what is now Canada and the northern United States (including Alaska) have myriad folktales surrounding the celestial dance.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2024
Nair’s early exposure to traditional folktales and the lush landscapes of his homeland would later inform his distinct narrative style.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for folktale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktale
Noun
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But the most sobering cautionary tale comes from 1894, when a lighthouse keeper’s pet cat named Tibbles was introduced to Stephens Island in New Zealand.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Comments On Swift Horses is rife with drama — a tale of a love triangle between a young woman, Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones), her Korean War veteran husband Lee (Will Poulter), and his iconoclastic brother Julius (Jacob Elordi).—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Los Angeles Rams legend reportedly filed for the temporary restraining order against Jenelle Anwar, who has allegedly been following him since 2020.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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Punk legend turned pop sensation Billy Idol bares it all in this electrifying documentary, revealing his rise to fame, battle with addiction and triumphant comeback that captivated millions of fans worldwide.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Over time, their story became inconsistent on a grand scale, and Buzbee’s credibility was called into question.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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At the center of the most compelling stories lies a single, unshakable force: transformation.—
Rhea Wessel,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Entities magically endowed with life by the gods are not a rarity in Greek myth.—
Sofia Giannuzzi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 Apr. 2025
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But no politician has paid more fealty to this myth than Donald Trump.—
Made by History,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Mavericks became the 11th team in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals one season, and miss the playoffs the next.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
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At the time of his death, Carter was the longest living president in American history.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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She’s also got five adaptations of her contemporary romance novels in the works.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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During their final performance together, the pair appeared to confirm their relationship — after months of romance rumors — with an onstage kiss.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Folktale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktale. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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