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Synonyms

fabled

American  
[fey-buhld] / ˈfeɪ bəld /

adjective

  1. celebrated in fables.

    a fabled goddess of the wood.

  2. having no real existence; fictitious.

    a fabled chest of gold.


fabled British  
/ ˈfeɪbəld /

adjective

  1. made famous in fable

  2. fictitious

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of fabled

First recorded in 1730–40; fable + -ed 3

Explanation

Something that's fabled is very well-known through stories or word-of-mouth, especially for its excellence or rarity. It's worth planning an all-day visit to a museum with a fabled art collection. Some fabled things are legendary by virtue of having actual legends, fables, or myths mention them. You might read about the fabled Greek gods, for example. Other things or people are fabled because you've heard them mentioned in conversation — their reputation proceeds them, like your dad's fabled chocolate chip cookies. Coined around 1600, fabled first meant "invented" or "unreal," from the Latin root fabula, "story."

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Vocabulary lists containing fabled

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.

See Examples For:

The meeting at Burnham's Downing Street office and residence came after the leaders celebrated bilateral ties with King Charles III at a preview of the fabled Bayeux Tapestry in London on Wednesday.

From Barron's Sep. 3, 2026

In episode 150 of his acclaimed podcast “A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs,” Andrew Hickey offers a recap/analysis of the fabled 1967 television series “The Prisoner.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 30, 2026

They’re the fabled duo who first wrapped the arches of this same bridge in straw-colored fabric in 1985.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 20, 2026

Shaun Edwards' departure from France's national team is being negotiated, with the fabled defence coach set to be without a role a year out from the Rugby World Cup.

From BBC Jun. 11, 2026

The season was slipping away, the fabled cry of “State in eighty-eight!” that had been etched on the backs of cars and scribbled in yearbooks a minute away from becoming a failed dream.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

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