apocryphal

adjective

Definition of apocryphalnext
as in speculative

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How is the word apocryphal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apocryphal are fabulous, fictitious, legendary, and mythical. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," 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

When is fabulous a more appropriate choice than apocryphal?

In some situations, the words fabulous and apocryphal are roughly equivalent. However, fabulous stresses the marvelous or incredible character of something without necessarily implying impossibility or actual nonexistence.

a land of fabulous riches

When can fictitious be used instead of apocryphal?

The synonyms fictitious and apocryphal are sometimes interchangeable, but fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

Where would legendary be a reasonable alternative to apocryphal?

The words legendary and apocryphal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

In what contexts can mythical take the place of apocryphal?

The meanings of mythical and apocryphal largely overlap; however, 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 apocryphal Neither Rings nor Guarino knows for sure if that story is accurate or apocryphal. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 June 2026 What may sound apocryphal—like an old man crafting a fiery archetype—has been verified by at least one notable fan. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 There are other apocryphal gospels named after important people in Jesus’ life and ministry, such as the Gospel of Mary. — Christy Cobb, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026 Observers close to Rogers and Villa, speaking anonymously like all sources in this piece to protect relationships, recall a neat, perhaps apocryphal tale from that January, when the Premier League side initially made contact with Middlesbrough. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apocryphal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocryphal
  1. speculative
  2. unauthentic
  3. hypothetical
  4. undocumented
  5. legendary
  6. theoretical
  7. fanciful
  8. mythical
Adjective
  • The author’s latest speculative dystopian fiction features parallel universes that explore alternate realities — and doppelgangers that stumble between the two.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The building, the paper said, reflected how big the speculative side of the oil trade had become.
    — Brian C. Black, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • Moore said that no matter how famous a host or a guest is, or how elaborate and slick a production is, an unauthentic product will not resonate with audiences.
    — Yahya Salem, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Inaccurate debunks Amid the recycled imagery, authentic pictures of National Guard members sleeping on the floor of a federal building in Los Angeles this week were falsely described as old or unauthentic.
    — Emma Li, CBS News, 11 June 2025
Definition of unauthentic
Adjective
  • Farther from Tau Ceti, where the light was weaker, a hypothetical high-sensitivity camera could reveal them.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In this approach, researchers come up with hypothetical scenarios based on existing technology trends, leaning into certain features.
    — Lissa Soep, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • The area's flooring industry has long depended on immigrant labor, and many families include a mix of citizens, legal residents, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and undocumented immigrants.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Studies have consistently shown that more than half of farmworkers in California are undocumented.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of undocumented
Adjective
  • Because New York is only as great as its citizens, and that means continuing its legendary diversity—not just racial and ethnic but also economic diversity.
    — Gary Shteyngart, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Curtis introduced the evening’s first presenter, Robert Rodriguez, who presented legendary filmmaker and composer John Carpenter with the Luminary Award.
    — Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of legendary
Adjective
  • The measurements showed relatively strong emission from the single crystal, consistent with theoretical predictions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Planning for a theoretical catastrophe can lead clients in unexpected directions.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • The drawing, a fanciful architectural scene called a capriccio, will be on sale at Mallams auction house in Oxford on October 21.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, the talented illustrator found escape in the fanciful action stories.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of fanciful
Adjective
  • Waller is one of the NFL’s few mythical figures — one whose story precedes his stats, whose name supersedes his acclaim.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • With the season’s final two episodes not provided to critics, there’s no way to say yet whether The Lowdown achieves that mythical outcome of all mystery seasons, the Finale That Pulls It All Together.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mythical

Browse Nearby Words

apocalyptic
apocryphal
apogean
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Cite this Entry

“Apocryphal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocryphal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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