misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce misconception (audio)
plural misconceptions
Synonyms of misconceptionnext
: 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
The 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
Many gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.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

Examples 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
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.
Kitchen There's a common misconception that Magic Erasers make good stainless steel appliance cleaners. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026 There are still so many misconceptions about these medications among the general public. Self Staff, SELF, 9 Jan. 2026 Written in their own savvy but generous voices, these books illuminate the process, clear up misconceptions, and offer guidance even while reminding us that there are few hard and fast rules. Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026 This could include sharing the results of the aforementioned A/B tests in a blog, conducting an email awareness campaign dispelling common misconceptions about passkeys, or building popups that briefly explain the benefits of passkeys at the login screen. Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misconception

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misconception was in 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

misconception

noun
mis·​con·​cep·​tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən
: a wrong or mistaken idea

More from Merriam-Webster on misconception

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