OLD WIVES' TALE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' tale

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

truth
verity

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 Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025 Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale

Noun

Multiple commenters were still unable to see it, and were getting the same error, as did Fortune.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
After committing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt that advanced the potential tying run to second base, O'Brien fanned rookie Cole Carrigg to end it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of error

Noun

Symptoms, which can take up to two months to develop, may include headache, nausea and sore throat before progressing to hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, paralysis and coma.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Smaller numbers reported experiencing delusions, hallucinations, physical pain, rage, and suicidality.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of delusion

Noun

The result is an illusion of depth that ultimately spits out the exact same generic, corner-cutting structure.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
Gillian Jacobs as Jerri Dougan Gerry was the starting quarterback for the Catfish at the beginning of the first season until Danny (Frankie Rodriguez) — the school mascot who helps turn Russ into Chad and keep up his illusion — trips him.

— Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

old-timey

old wives' tale

old wives' tales

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“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of old wives' tale

noun

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