misconception
noun
mis·con·cep·tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən 
plural misconceptions
: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception
a common/popular misconception
There's this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect.—
Chris Daughtry
Chris DaughtryThe new name, along with more stringent criteria for diagnosing the disorder, represents an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the disorder and to have it taken more seriously by psychiatrists as well as the courts.—Janny Scott
Janny ScottMany gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.—Nan Sterman
Nan Sterman… artists, writers, and musicians who labor under the misconception that it's possible to come up with something new under the sun …—Simon Reynolds
Simon ReynoldsExamples of misconception in a Sentence
it is a popular misconception that the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space
Recent Examples on the Web
Olivia Taylor, the assistant manager of the swim school, says clearing up misconceptions about what drowning actually looks like and getting anyone comfortable in and around the water, are some of the most important parts of teaching someone how to swim.
—Monique John, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Coach Martinus Evans breaks down a common misconception to get you into the mindset and offers quick tips on pace, form and more.
—Malaka Gharib, NPR, 24 June 2026
Maybe that’s when my misconceptions about the Cape Cod Bay side of the Cape floated away.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 23 June 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding cannabinoids may be the assumption that they should be evaluated primarily through the lens of cannabis.
—Peter Su, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misconception
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Monique John, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Coach Martinus Evans breaks down a common misconception to get you into the mindset and offers quick tips on pace, form and more.
—Malaka Gharib, NPR, 24 June 2026
Maybe that’s when my misconceptions about the Cape Cod Bay side of the Cape floated away.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 23 June 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding cannabinoids may be the assumption that they should be evaluated primarily through the lens of cannabis.
—Peter Su, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misconception
Cite this Entry
“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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