Definition of 'apocryphal'

Word Frequency

apocryphal

(əpɒkrɪfəl )

adjective

An apocryphal story is one which is probably not true or did not happen, but which may give a true picture of someone or something.

This may well be an apocryphal story.

There are various other versions of this -- probably apocryphal -- story.

Synonyms: dubious, legendary, doubtful, questionable More Synonyms of apocryphal

Word Frequency

apocryphal in British

(əˈpɒkrɪfəl )

adjective

of questionable authenticity

2. (sometimes capital)

of or like the Apocrypha

untrue; counterfeit

Derived forms

apocryphally (aˈpocryphally)

adverb

Word Frequency

apocryphal in American

(əˈpɑkrəfəl ; əpäˈkrəfəl)

adjective

of doubtful authorship or authenticity

not genuine; spurious; counterfeit

3. [A-]

of or like the Apocrypha

SIMILAR WORDS: ficˈtitious

Example sentences containing 'apocryphal'

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`I mean, I've heard a story, though I wasn't sure how apocryphal it was. Anthony Masters CASCADES - THE DAY OF THE DEAD (2001)A very obscure one, though - and again referred to only cryptically, even in the more apocryphal works of the time. Pritchard, John NIGHT SISTERS (2001)Then, the day he decided to pull out -- that was probably apocryphal, but when his money was just about gone -- suddenly he struck lucky. Innes, Hammond HIGH STAND (2001)