Synonyms of legendary

legendary

adjective

ˈle-jən-ˌder-ē 

as in mythic

based on, described in, or being a myth

the unicorn is a legendary creature

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mythic
• mythical
• fabled
• mythological
• famed
• fabulous
• mythologic
• fictional
• storied
• fictitious
• fantastical
• invented
• imaginary
• chimeric
• romanticized
• chimerical
• fanciful
• unreal
• fantastic
• make-believe
• imagined
• fabricated
• allegorical
• pretend
• made-up
• semilegendary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• real
• historical
• real-world
• true
• existent
• factual
• confirmed
• established
• authentic
• genuine
• real-life
• proven
• bona fide
• validated
• attested
• authenticated
• substantiated
• verified

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

Recent Examples of legendary

Another project is Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, a documentary celebrating 50 years of Saturday Night Live’s legendary music performances which Thompson co-directed with Oz Rodriguez. —Naima Cochrane, VIBE.com, 23 Jan. 2025

The electrifying teaser confirmed that Grammy-winning artist SZA will join Lamar as a special guest, setting the stage for a legendary performance on one of the world’s biggest platforms. —Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025

Testifying on your own behalf in a high-profile case is a rare move that is fraught with risk, and one Madigan, a lawyer and legendary tactician, surely considered from every angle. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025

Now, in Rome’s famed Cinecittà studios, another legendary Italian supercar manufacturer is being immortalized in Moresco’s Maserati: The Brothers, with Italian actor Michele Morrone playing one of the three siblings who founded the trident brand in 1914. —Brett Berk, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025