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 In September 2024, a celebration of his life was held at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. —Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 11 July 2025 The Wimbledon final is a rematch of the 2025 French Open, where Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a legendary match that went five sets. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025 In October 2024, Bronny James made his NBA debut with the Lakers, playing alongside his legendary dad LeBron and becoming part of the first father-son pair to play together in the league's history. —Jillian Frankel, People.com, 11 July 2025 The 2025 Tour de France continues its challenging journey through the French countryside with Stage 7 on Friday, July 11, a 197 km trek from the coastal town of Saint-Malo to the legendary Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan in Brittany. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for legendary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legendary
mythical
Adjective
  • And his government constructed a temple to Ram on the site of a former mosque in Ayodhya, the mythical birthplace of the eponymous hero of a Hindu epic.
    — HARTOSH SINGH BAL, Foreign Affairs, 30 June 2025
  • Ozark Bathhouse, adorned with facade planters bearing pairs of mythical flying creatures, sometimes functions as a cultural center that hosts exhibits of arts and crafts.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Definition of mythical

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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 18 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of legendary for Spanish Speakers

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