1
as in stories
a rumor or report of a personal or sensational nature
don't believe the tales you hear about our neighbor's kid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in anecdotes
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally
asked Dad to tell once again the tale of how, as a kid, he broke his arm jumping out of a tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lies
a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive
told tall tales in an attempt to impress me with her supposedly upper-crust background
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in novelle
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel
the oft-told tale of Sleeping Beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 tales
Then there are cautionary tales like the one in which a boy gets his fingers cut off for being a picky eater—stories about cause and effect, separation from loved ones, stealing, and death.
—
Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025
The cousin from Idaho will regale Boise friends back home with travel tales of entering a Miami speakeasy.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
In the hour leading up to kick-off, there is a grim succession of similar tales from supporters who have been ripped off.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
As well as some other non-alien related tales that will remain off the record, 5.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
The tales all connect at a Caroling Party that began in the Rosedale neighborhood of Austin 40 years ago.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024
Like so many spy tales, the show is driven by intricate plotting rather than by meaningful character development.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
There’s a treasure trove of humorous tales behind the show’s location shoots.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
These cautionary tales underscore the need for strategic preparation and adaptability.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025
The cousin from Idaho will regale Boise friends back home with travel tales of entering a Miami speakeasy.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
In the hour leading up to kick-off, there is a grim succession of similar tales from supporters who have been ripped off.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
As well as some other non-alien related tales that will remain off the record, 5.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
The tales all connect at a Caroling Party that began in the Rosedale neighborhood of Austin 40 years ago.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024
Like so many spy tales, the show is driven by intricate plotting rather than by meaningful character development.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
There’s a treasure trove of humorous tales behind the show’s location shoots.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
These cautionary tales underscore the need for strategic preparation and adaptability.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tales
Noun
-
Then his team worked to share stories that Lively didn't care about the issue of domestic violence, USA TODAY reported.—
Hannah Kirby,
Journal Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Happy holidays and Forbes Daily will return to your inbox with the day’s top stories on January 3.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Throughout the performance, Gale peppered in anecdotes about her first relationships and her songwriting process.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Again, most of the hour documentary dealt with issues and delivered anecdotes a Connecticut fan has read, because Hurley tells his story freely.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In Regretting You, a shocking car wreck takes the lives of two family members, unlocking a series of secrets, lies and regrets.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Social media has amplified this hatred, aiding the spread of dangerous lies and prompting animus against Jews and Israel.—
Irwin Cotler,
TIME,
26 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tales. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share