mythologize

verb

my·​thol·​o·​gize mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz 

mythologized; mythologizing

transitive verb

1

obsolete : to explain the mythological significance of

2

: to build a myth around : mythicize

intransitive verb

1

: to relate, classify, and explain myths

2

: to create or perpetuate myths

mythologizer noun

Examples of mythologize in a Sentence

a politician who has been mythologized by his supporters

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, a blind small-town radio DJ narrates, encourages, and mythologizes the journey. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025

Then there’s this issue that Springsteen emphatically tried to answer in Liverpool this week: Does the rough but noble America he’s been mythologizing for 50 years even exist anymore? —Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

The Idol was almost a noble failure, a psychically damaging look into the pop ecosystem that had the decency to fictionalize rather than mythologize its star. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 May 2025

Fans have been mythologizing since Swift's São Paulo, Brazil, stop in November 2023. —Bryan West, USA Today, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French mythologiser, from mythologie mythology + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for mythologize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize