old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' talenext
as in error
a false idea or belief the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale

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 old wives' tale According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. — Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024 That's why there's no shortage of old wives' tales surrounding the induction of labor—and no end to parents-to-be looking for signs that their little one will arrive soon. — Melissa Mills, Parents, 19 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
  1. error
  2. myth
  3. delusion
  4. illusion
Noun
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs will drive the world economy into recession unless level-minded leaders realize the errors of their ways.
    — Phillip Molnar, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of error
Noun
  • First, there is the technology myth, the belief that older employees cannot keep pace with digital advancements.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Because Jordan only gets better and better in memory and myth.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • For those who, against all evidence to the contrary, dismiss these ambitions as mere delusions, that's exactly what the British Empire—the mightiest global force of its day—said when 13 fractious colonies issued the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago this July.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • The show consisted of several live-feed illusions, ecological sculptures, and installations using organic materials, lighting, and sound.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
  • According to the documentary, De Beers created an illusion of diamond scarcity by controlling supply and demand.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

old-timey
old wives' tale
old wives' tales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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