Apocryphal – Probably not true although often told and believed by some people to have happened or of doubtful authenticity but widely believed to be true (or story or statement)

(Pronounced uh-po-kruh-fl)

To remember the definition of the word apocryphal, use the following mnemonic:

A guitarist pocketed a fortune for playing a few riffs to a full (apocryphal) house. It was widely believed she was self taught, but some doubted it and reckoned she had been tutored for years.

Examples of apocryphal in a sentence

Scientists claim the apocryphal story about creationism is historically inaccurate.

My little sister doesn't believe the apocryphal tale of Santa Claus.

People know the apocryphal stories of the shipwreck isn't true, they still tell the tales again and again.