mythologize

verb

my·​thol·​o·​gize mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz How to pronounce mythologize (audio)
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 Treacherous mountain ascents like Everest have long been mythologized by men. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2023 Finally, those who continue to mythologize the military in popular culture should rebalance their portrayals. Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2021 The Civil War, followed by the country’s centennial in 1876, helped mythologize the flag. Hillel Italie, Fortune, 4 July 2023 Through those conversations, Valencia avoided homogenizing and mythologizing actual histories and cultural touchpoints. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 June 2023 Our culture often tends to mythologize the Holocaust. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 May 2023 Corrine’s wasn’t one of the ugly houses mythologized in the company’s ads. Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 11 May 2023 Rasputin’s death, as well as the mass murder of the entire Romanov family, has been heavily mythologized over the years. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2023 Dolly Parton's namesake oasis seamlessly blends mountain heritage—including a heavy dose of mythologizing the musical icon herself—with industry-forward experiences, like record-breaking attractions and luxury accommodations. Carly Caramanna, Chron, 12 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mythologize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mythologize was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near mythologize

Cite this Entry

“Mythologize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mythologize. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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