legendary

adjective

ˈle-jən-ˌder-ē How to pronounce legendary (audio)
Definition of legendarynext
as in mythic
based on, described in, or being a myth the unicorn is a legendary creature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legendary distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of legendary are apocryphal, fabulous, fictitious, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

When would apocryphal be a good substitute for legendary?

In some situations, the words apocryphal and legendary are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can fabulous take the place of legendary?

While the synonyms fabulous and legendary are close in meaning, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When might fictitious be a better fit than legendary?

While in some cases nearly identical to legendary, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When could mythical be used to replace legendary?

The synonyms mythical and legendary are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal and legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at age 76—just weeks after sharing an emotional farewell with fans at Villa Park. —Amanda Castro gabe Whisnant anna Commander shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman and solo star who helped pioneer the follow-around reality TV genre with his MTV series The Osbournes, died Tuesday. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 July 2025 The legendary artist, whose first band's name was taken from a Mario Bava horror film starring Boris Karloff, will forever have a career shrouded in myth. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 22 July 2025 Ozzy Osbourne, who became a heavy metal icon as the singer of legendary rock group Black Sabbath and later as a solo artist, died on Tuesday, the BBC reported. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for legendary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legendary
mythical
Adjective
  • Its mythical story left an indelible mark on my mind.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Definition of mythical

Browse Nearby Words

legend
legendary
legendries
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Cite this Entry

“Legendary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legendary. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of legendary for Spanish Speakers

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