apocryphal

[ uh-pok-ruh-fuhl ]

adjective

1. of doubtful authorship or authenticity.
2. Ecclesiastical.
   1. (initial capital letter) of or relating to the Apocrypha.
   2. of doubtful sanction; uncanonical.
3. false; spurious:

   He told an apocryphal story about the sword, but the truth was later revealed.

apocryphal

/ əˈpɒkrɪfəl /

adjective

1. of questionable authenticity
2. sometimes capital of or like the Apocrypha
3. untrue; counterfeit

Derived Forms

• aˈpocryphally, adverb

Other Words From

• a·pocry·phal·ly adverb
• a·pocry·phal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocryphal¹

First recorded in 1580–90; apocryph(a) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The quote is apocryphal, but that has not changed its significance for Army football players.

From The Daily Beast

There are plenty of examples of Christians editing Jewish apocryphal traditions for their own communities.

From The Daily Beast

Many of the quotes are mysteriously sourced, apocryphal, or misattributed.

From The Daily Beast

Lovely stuff, but someone should tell the future congresswoman that every one of these quotes is apocryphal.

From The Daily Beast

That semi-apocryphal quote aptly described the Britain of the 1970s.

From The Daily Beast

The apocryphal gospels contain many, and some are preserved by Persian and Arabian poets.

From Project Gutenberg

Ice of such thickness on Lake Luna at this early date, however, surprised even that apocryphal person, the oldest inhabitant.

From Project Gutenberg

It also led to the conception of the marvelous legend of the cross in the apocryphal gospels and ancient traditions.

From Project Gutenberg

These last are of interest as indicating a familiar acquaintance with the apocryphal books in the early centuries.

From Project Gutenberg

Our author cites likewise some of her accusers, and considers most of the current sayings against her as apocryphal.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fictitious
• inaccurate
• mythical
• unsubstantiated
• untrue