Meaning & use

apocryphal

adjective·Advanced

Of doubtful authenticity, though widely circulated as though it were true.

See it in a sentence

The story about the founder sleeping in his office is probably apocryphal.

Historians dismissed the apocryphal tale as a myth invented long after the king's death.

A note on using this word

Apocryphal often describes popular anecdotes or legends rather than deliberate lies.

Words with a similar meaning

dubiousunverified

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

authenticverified

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