DictionaryAI

apocryphal

adjective
Sayuh-POK-ri-fuhl/əˈpɑːkɹɪfəl/UK/əˈpɒkɹɪfəl/

2 meanings of apocryphal

Practice

  1. 1
    probably untrueadjective
    Probably not true or not genuine, even though many people repeat it or believe it.

    The story that he wrote the song in ten minutes is probably apocryphal.

    My uncle loves telling apocryphal tales about the early days of our town.

    UsageOften said of a story or quote: an apocryphal story.

    Similardubious, spurious, fictitious, mythical, unverified

    Oppositeauthentic, genuine, true, verified

    Note
  2. 2
    Bible writingsadjective
    About or from the Apocrypha, a group of old religious writings linked to the Bible.

    Her Bible has the apocryphal books in a separate section at the back.

    In Sunday school we read an apocryphal book about a brave widow who saves her town.

    Oppositecanonical

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From apocrypha, with the ending -al added.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 1 fact