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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mythical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mythical are apocryphal, fabulous, fictitious, and legendary. While all these words mean "having the nature of something imagined or invented," mythical implies a purely fanciful explanation of facts or the creation of beings and events out of the imagination.

mythical creatures

When is apocryphal a more appropriate choice than mythical?

In some situations, the words apocryphal and mythical 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 mythical?

While in some cases nearly identical to mythical, 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 mythical?

While the synonyms fictitious and mythical are close in meaning, fictitious implies fabrication and suggests artificiality or contrivance more than deliberate falsification or deception.

fictitious characters

When can legendary be used instead of mythical?

The words legendary and mythical can be used in similar contexts, but legendary suggests the elaboration of invented details and distortion of historical facts produced by popular tradition.

the legendary exploits of Davy Crockett

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 mythical The mission change was spurred on by the mythical sorceress showing A.R.G.U.S. director Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) a vision of the future in which every DC hero was brutally killed by Rostovic’s forces — some even impaled and crucified. Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 9 Jan. 2025 The Disney subsidiary behind Willow is called Barking Lion Productions (UK), in a nod to the mythical creatures that populate the show. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Brutus’ frigate leapt out of hyperspace well ahead of the Onyx Cinder, and all aboard were curious to see that the mythical At Attin is a gas giant surrounded by an impenetrable toxic atmosphere. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Jan. 2025 Centered on mythical methamphetamine cookers Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, the series wrapped up more than a decade ago, but its legacy continues to draw looky-loos to the home and other associated filming spots around town. CBS News, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mythical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mythical
Adjective
  • Since taking over the legendary concept store in 2020 from founder Carla Sozzani, Fausti has continued to integrate new names into its product offering, in addition to renovating and revamping the space and staging a rich schedule of events and exhibitions.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 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
Adjective
  • Torrey Pines twice has held tournaments five months apart when the U.S. Open was held on San Diego’s fabled municipal course in 2008 and 2021.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Amazingly, four airlines still fly passenger versions of the fabled aircraft, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China, and Rossiya, a division of Russian carrier Aeroflot.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This figure is at 20% of the happy medium between the low bar of 50 grams and the upper end of 120 grams (using our pretend 150-pound friend as our benchmark).
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025
  • There will be a pretend pharmacy, equipped with the same inventory control systems and devices that real pharmacists use.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Spanx’s signature fabric smooths in all the right ways for an unreal workout experience.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Here’s how unreal the DFLers’ world is from yours and mine.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • If a planet is visible from the night side of Earth, it can only ever be seen along an imaginary path through the sky called the ecliptic.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Monday’s victory was only a month and a week removed from one of the more embarrassing losses of the Knicks season, an NBA Cup quarterfinal loss Young punctuated by rolling a set of imaginary die on The Garden’s center-court logo.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The duo first shared the screen in 1999's Any Given Sunday, which follows a fictional professional football team.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In his office, Berg used an ice axe to pitch Smith on a collaboration, which would eventually follow a fictional frontiersman and mother-son duo navigating the Westward expansion.
    Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the clandestine nature of the process, the true number of fictitious sons who arrived during exclusion will never be known.
    Jane Hu, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Detectives also found that Labelle allegedly altered several documents and provided the homeowner with fictitious receipts to deceive them, according to Riley.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near mythical

Cite this Entry

“Mythical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mythical. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mythical

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