apocryphally
According to legend
Apocryphally describes something told or reported in a way that may not be true or verifiable, though it is often repeated as if it were.
The word derives from apocryphal, which characterizes stories or accounts of doubtful authenticity.
Apocryphally, Einstein failed math as a child.
When something is said apocryphally, there's an implicit acknowledgment that the tale might be more legend than fact.
Not matching reality
- fabricatedInvented, not real
- fictitiousNot real, invented
- inventedCreated something new
- made-upFabricated, not factual
concocted · forged · fake · bogus · counterfeit · misattributed · ghostwritten · plagiarized
Spread without verification
- anecdotalBased on casual observation
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- unsubstantiatedWithout supporting evidence
- unconfirmedNot officially validated
alleged · undocumented · unauthenticated · unproven · speculative · uncorroborated · unofficial · secondhand
Of folklore, not fact
- fabledCelebrated in folklore
- storiedCelebrated in legend
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
epic · heroic · larger-than-life · immortalized · celebrated · renowned · famous · infamous
Of uncertain validity
- doubtfulUncertain of truth
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- debatableOpen to question
- disputableAble to be challenged
unreliable · uncertain · sketchy · implausible · unlikely · far-fetched · fishy · tall-tale
Of secondary biblical authority
- gnosticRelating to mystical insight
- suppressedForcibly held down
- excludedShut out, denied entry
- rejectedRefused or turned away
ecclesiastical · biblical · testament · scrolls · manuscripts · codex · patristic
false
Not matching reality
- fabricatedInvented, not real
- fictitiousNot real, invented
- inventedCreated something new
made-up · concocted · forged · fake · bogus · counterfeit · misattributed · ghostwritten · plagiarized · interpolated
rumored
Spread without verification
- anecdotalBased on casual observation
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- unsubstantiatedWithout supporting evidence
unconfirmed · alleged · undocumented · unauthenticated · unproven · speculative · uncorroborated · unofficial · secondhand · word-of-mouth
mythical
Of folklore, not fact
legendary · epic · heroic · larger-than-life · immortalized · celebrated · renowned · famous · infamous · proverbial
questionable
Of uncertain validity
disputable · unreliable · uncertain · sketchy · implausible · unlikely · far-fetched · fishy · tall-tale · embellished
deuterocanonical
Of secondary biblical authority
- gnosticRelating to mystical insight
- suppressedForcibly held down
- excludedShut out, denied entry
rejected · ecclesiastical · biblical · testament · scrolls · manuscripts · codex · patristic
apocryphallyauthentically
In a real manner
verifiably · reliably · factually · demonstrably · provably
apocryphallycanonically
Per established authority
officially · historically · orthodoxly · authoritatively · on the record