mythos

noun

ˈmi-ˌthōs How to pronounce mythos (audio)
Definition of mythosnext
1
as in myth
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature according to one creation mythos, humans sprang from the forehead of a god

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in mythology
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place the Superman mythos has long since become ingrained in popular American culture

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mythos The incident quickly became part of Hemingway’s mythos, despite—and perhaps in part because of—the haziness of some of the details. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 This transformative magic of movement is at the core of the American mythos and the heart of our cultural identity. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Some will take umbrage about tinkering about with the Robin Hood mythos like that. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 They were inspired by the Silicon Valley mythos of fierce competition, user-first design, and disruption. — Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mythos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mythos
  1. myth
  2. mythology
  3. legend
  4. folklore
  5. tradition
  6. lore
Noun
  • Berlinger maintained Manson's reputation as an evil mastermind was fueled more by myth than reality.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • By the time of publication, the myth had overtaken the analytics.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Both of these tales were derived from the folk legends and mythologies involving witches and ghosts that were still prevalent along the Hudson Valley.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The highest mountain is Mount Olympus in Macedonia, which according to mythology served as the hallowed home of the gods.
    — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • Remember that national anthem, Chicago style, by local legend Jim Cornelison?
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Beckett’s five-year record of 41-34 is a bit light as legends go, but that World Series gem that beat the Yankees and won the 2003 championship helps justify the honor.
    — Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • The six-room exhibition — featuring Makó’s signature approach within the world of Hungarian folklore and childhood memories — transforms fashion imagery and explores the world of identity, individuality and self-expression.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other than the occasional barks from her dog, who doesn’t appreciate being locked away for guests, the witch’s home is peaceful and a far cry from the dank, dark cottages often found in folklore.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • The young royal’s enrollment marked a departure from years of tradition, replacing Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun with an institution that was closer to Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In August, Prince Alois announced a change to royal succession rules to allow women to ascend the throne on equal terms with men, breaking with three centuries of dynastic tradition.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of tradition
Noun
  • For job seekers who spent the summer sending resumes into the void, there’s another piece of September lore worth paying attention to—the job market is supposed to pick back up.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While Barrett suggests a whole world of lore that goes unexplored, the film’s climax is completely missing in action.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of lore

Browse Nearby Words

mythomaniacs
mythos
myths
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mythos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mythos. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of empirical

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All