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legend

noun

ˈle-jənd How to pronounce legend (audio)
Definition of legendnext
1
as in caption
an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart the legend indicated that a large circle represented a major city, while a small circle stood for a small town

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2
as in translation
an explanation or description accompanying a pictorial illustration the legend in the science textbook indicated that the accompanying picture had been enlarged by 1000%

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3
as in myth
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature some ancient civilizations had legends about spirits that inhabited trees and rocks

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4
as in folklore
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place that story of how the world came to be has long been part of Native American legend

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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 legend To do that, On also signed Thierry Henry, another French legend, as its new director of Football. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 Ballard came to Topeka after working as an assistant for KU legend Danny Manning at Tulsa (2012-14) and Wake Forest (2014-17). — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 There are pictures of Lorenzo with legends like John Elway and Von Miller. — Brian Flores, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 While the rights were picked up clean and without attachments, the project now has horror legend Sam Raimi and frequent producing partner Rob Tapert on board as producers. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legend
  1. caption
  2. myth
  3. folklore
  4. key
  5. fable
  6. mythology
  7. table
  8. tradition
Noun
  • Heather wrote in her caption, before detailing their entire trip’s itinerary.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Howard wrote in the caption of the post announcing his signing.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of caption
Noun
  • Whether it’s described by matrices or anything else, quantum mechanics is still discoverable in a way that myth is not.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Our movements should not be so vulnerable to the myth of individual leaders.
    — Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Reck and Annie Ulrich craft larger-than-life puppets to portray figures from Mexican folklore such as La Lechuza, a witch who takes the form of an owl.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The six-room exhibition — featuring Makó’s signature approach within the world of Hungarian folklore and childhood memories — transforms fashion imagery and explores the world of identity, individuality and self-expression.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • So the first question was whether a single party should ever hold a complete key, and therefore complete control over a client’s assets.
    — Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Given how shaky the defence looks, unlocking the attack will surely be the key in the derby.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell?
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Is Ancestors, the directorial feature debut of The Lodgers and The Winter Lake writer David Turpin, a love story, a noir mystery or a metaphysical fable?
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • But while Jumbo’s has garnered a mythology as a magnet for filmmakers, writers and musicians who collect impressions, the dive’s dancers have shifted from being the subject to the artists.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Popular mythology still conjures images of publicists managing red carpets and exclusive guest lists.
    — Julia Ruttner, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • There will also be a king bed, a television, and a small sitting area—two chairs and a bistro table—by the window.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My brother looks at the floor, mumbles something, and then shuffles away from the table.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • The Capricorn Moon squares Mercury in your sign, making family expectations, tradition, or someone else’s opinion feel louder than usual.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Per tradition, most of the buzz around the ceremony is heady anticipation for the announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of tradition

Browse Nearby Words

legations
legend
legendary
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Cite this Entry

“Legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legend. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legend

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legend

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