myth

noun

ˈmith How to pronounce myth (audio)
Definition of mythnext
1
as in legend
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature according to an ancient Greek myth, humans acquired fire from Prometheus, a Titan who had stolen it from heaven

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2
as in mythology
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place over the years Davy Crockett evolved from an actual person to one of the great figures of American myth

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in illusion
a false idea or belief the idea that alligators can live in the sewers of New York is just a myth

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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 myth This is the foundational myth that sustains a tendency towards intellectual tyranny. — Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 And Patton’s memorable opening speech hints at the film’s hesitancy about turning men into myths. — Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 The myth of the cowboy has played a significant part in shaping an ideal of Western manhood, but in a time of growing tensions between traditional values and modern viewpoints, there is a challenge to that classic representations of masculinity. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Cultural myths and misconceptions about organ donation can deter individuals of any racial or ethnic background from considering donation but these fallacies harm patients. — Andrew Jones, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for myth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for myth
  1. legend
  2. mythology
  3. illusion
  4. fable
  5. folklore
  6. delusion
  7. tradition
  8. error
Noun
  • The actress' latest project is Clean Slate, a comedy co-starring comedy legend George Wallace about a trans daughter and cis father learning how to navigate the former's transition.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The stadium tour, which includes Joel often pairing with fellow legends Stevie Nicks, Sting or Rod Stewart, was slated to start March 15 in Toronto.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of legend
Noun
  • Discovery, Sai Abhishek, joins Amish Tripathi to share details on the platform’s vision for exploring Indian mythology.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • American mythology about land ownership long existed as a rationale for Native dispossession, but the house in the little house on the prairie took center stage in 1917, the year of the Bolshevik Revolution.
    — Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • The wide front porch gives the illusion that the open-plan living and kitchen area extends past the exterior walls, through the (optional) all-glass double doors to the great outdoors.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The actress added square-toe boots and wore her blonde hair in a slicked style. 12 of 18 Alessandra Ambrosio For the Balenciaga Paris Fashion Week show, Alessandra Ambrosio opted for a navy blue sweater paired with illusion lingerie on the bottom.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • Many of our favorite stories, fables and rhymes came from the volumes of the set of Childcraft Books published in 1954 which accompany our family’s ages-old set of World Book Encyclopedias.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Drawing on ancient folklore, fables and myths, Chainey’s film was branded a ‘folk horror’, a promise the film could not live up to.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Definition of fable
Noun
  • For example, English folklore says that Hot Cross Buns baked on Good Friday will never spoil throughout the following year, amongst other luck-giving stories.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The small town is also a hub for Albanian folklore, with traditional music performances and crafts on display.
    — Food Drink Life, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • The guests are just monkeys with delusions of grandeur and civilization.
    — Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The series, produced by AMC Studios, is set within the delusion bubble of Silicon Valley.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Mexico City Reuters — Mexico City’s local congress on Tuesday passed a measure aiming to make bullfights much less harmful to bulls and matadors, a move applauded by animal rights activists but sharply criticized by fans of the centuries-old tradition.
    — Reuters, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The paintings will offer visitors a glimpse into the society and artistic traditions of the time including scenes of everyday life, landscapes and portraits, reflecting the values and prosperity of the Dutch Republic during a flourishing period of economic expansion and global trade.
    — San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of tradition
Noun
  • Naturally, the usual delays, misunderstandings and errors in communication are all common when Mercury retrogrades, but when in a sign like Aries, these moments are more likely to be louder, bolder and triggering.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Except that is a simplification of what the original dialogue says, and a localization error with big consequences.
    — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of error

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“Myth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/myth. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on myth

Nglish: Translation of myth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about myth

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