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.
The biggest misconception is that flow batteries have low energy density. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026 There’s a misconception that maximalism requires less restraint than other décor styles, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 May 2026 Biggest misconception The comparison to traditional criminal courts is the biggest misconception that many have about the immigration courts, said Brynna Bolt, a managing attorney at the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 There’s also a widespread misconception that treatment is invasive or complicated. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

misconception

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

More from Merriam-Webster on misconception

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