Legendary

adj.joyful, kindwarm

What it means

So remarkable that people remember and repeat stories about it.

Reach for it when praising excellence with an established reputation rather than inflating an ordinary success

The shelter became legendary for finding patient homes for difficult animals.

playful
epic
informal enthusiasm suits an event of striking scale
not when Epic is frequently exaggerated and lacks legendary's earned longevity.
playful
iconic
instant recognition and symbolic status matter
not when Iconic often describes appearance, even when the underlying quality is ordinary.
everyday
extraordinary
unusual excellence is the supported claim
not when Extraordinary need not be famous or retold by others.
warm
unforgettable
a personal experience remains powerfully memorable
not when Unforgettable is subjective and does not establish a shared reputation.
professional
celebrated
a person or work receives widespread praise
not when Celebrated can reflect current attention and may not endure.
formal
famed
reputation across a wide audience is the point
not when Famed only establishes notice, not exceptional merit.
formal
renowned
well-established public esteem can be substantiated
not when Renowned signals fame but not the story-making vividness of legendary.
literary
storied
a rich history of notable episodes defines the subject
not when Storied can include scandal or struggle and is not automatically praise.

legendary career
Her legendary career joined brilliant performance with generous teaching.
legendary hospitality
The inn's legendary hospitality began with a warm meal for every late arrival.
truly legendary
The rescue became truly legendary because hundreds of ordinary people helped.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.