old wives' tale

noun

Definition of old wives' talenext
as in error
a false idea or belief the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of old wives' tale According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025 An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. — Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024 Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
  1. error
  2. myth
  3. delusion
  4. illusion
Noun
  • Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Despite numerous myths, a cat's fur color does not impact its personality traits.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • This is myth, and fisheries biologists know that pike do feed during the hot months just as other fish do.
    — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • We are encouraged to indulge our delusions about replacement theory and white male superiority and to surrender to our instincts toward incivility and division.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • As Lines’ delusions calcified, so did ChatGPT’s affirmations.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 2 July 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Following the fall of Poland in September 1939, and before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, the absence of sustained military operations created the illusion of normalcy.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

old-timey
old wives' tale
old wives' tales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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