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.
First is that the market has a fundamental misconception around Appian's artificial intelligence risk. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026 There’s a strong misconception that there’s no way that young women pop singers like yourself could be involved creatively. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026 What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion/accessories? Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026 According to its website, the group was founded in 1999 to provide accurate information about Islam to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 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 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

misconception

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

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