myth

noun

ˈmith How to pronounce myth (audio)
Definition of mythnext
1
as in legend
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature according to an ancient Greek myth, humans acquired fire from Prometheus, a Titan who had stolen it from heaven

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2
as in mythology
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place over the years Davy Crockett evolved from an actual person to one of the great figures of American myth

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in illusion
a false idea or belief the idea that alligators can live in the sewers of New York is just a myth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of myth In New York, writer Katie Arnold-Ratliff, for example, recently questioned whether student giftedness was a myth. — Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 8 July 2026 Advertisement Seek the Traitor’s Son, Veronica Roth Ancient myths and science fiction mingle in Veronica Roth’s new dystopian fantasy series, set in a future world both alien and strangely familiar. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026 In an exclusive video shared with PEOPLE, Mason, the author of the 2023 bestseller North Woods, discusses his decision to include local myths and legends in his latest book. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 But myths don’t need receipts, and this one has endured for nearly a thousand years. — Michele Metychall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for myth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for myth
  1. legend
  2. mythology
  3. illusion
  4. fable
  5. folklore
  6. delusion
  7. tradition
  8. error
Noun
  • First, the inability to use legends outside Ultimate Team continues to be one of EA's cardinal sins.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • But family legend has it that the one brother who settled on the island married a Native American and began a long line of Gendrons.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • In Greek mythology, Narcissus was brought down by a reflecting pool.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • But the filmmaker proves more interested in interrogating that ethos than recreating it, and few horror mythologies are better suited to exploring betrayal and regret than one built around the refusal to let the dead remain dead.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • The experience works because technology supports the illusion rather than dominating it.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Ukraine, though harboring no illusions about matching Russia’s long-range weaponry or the size of its fighting forces, has been ramping up domestic production of more advanced, longer-range drones and missiles.
    — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • Explore the Wild West from the back of a rickety wagon as characters share famed fables about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, Pecos Bill, John Henry and Hekeke.
    — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
  • In 1964, Time, which then had a circulation of more than 3 million, ran a cover story on John Cheever, the author known for his dark fables of suburban malaise.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • Inspired by the landscapes, folklore and traditional craftsmanship of the sertão of Minas Gerais, the film introduces an authentic Brazilian heroine while celebrating one of Brazil’s richest yet least represented cultural regions.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 7 July 2026
  • In 2020, the superstar's pets were also featured in her holiday card, wearing cute winter gear against a black-and-white background reminiscent of her 2020 album folklore.
    — Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • Blurring the boundaries between reality and delusion, psychological horror explores the mind in all its complexity, often leaving audiences questioning their own perceptions.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • In one case, the Jupiter family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Google, saying the company’s chatbot, Gemini, contributed to their son’s death by fueling severe delusions and eventually coaching him through taking his own life.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • In the first knockout stage match in the venue, Haaland’s winner in the 86th minute over Ivory Coast offered a lens into Norway’s rich fan tradition, and the enigma that is Haaland himself.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The boxing ring metaphor was largely abandoned once the competition began, even though there were more opportunities to mix baseball’s tradition of walkup music with fight sports’ swaggering walkouts.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of tradition
Noun
  • The Rangers never found themselves in the game from the start, after opening with an error between infielders Nicky Lopez and Jake Burger that allowed the Astros’ Jeremy Pina to reach first before Yordan Alvarez followed up with a home run.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026
  • The Diamondbacks took advantage of the Dodgers’ bullpen game — and three defensive errors.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of error

Browse Nearby Words

mystiques
myth
mythical
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Cite this Entry

“Myth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/myth. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on myth

Nglish: Translation of myth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about myth

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