apocryphal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Havel tells the apocryphal story of a greengrocer who refuses to place a sign proclaiming “Workers of the world, unite!” in his shop window.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Maybe it’s time to revive the old, possibly apocryphal Red Auerbach legends about fire alarms and turning off the air conditioning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Some see this as a new version of the apocryphal story of Nero fiddling while Rome burns.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

This apocryphal trivia hasn’t been entirely debunked; it’s more accurate to say that it is roundly doubted.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2024

Alas, like many good stories this one appears to be apocryphal.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson