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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Blending local myth, thrilling suspense, and heartfelt humour, this twisty six-part limited series dives into themes of family, community, and change - both terrifying and inevitable. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 That myth — the adage that tours and festivals featuring all, or even primarily women, aren’t good business — has been around long before the days of Lilith Fair. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026 As violence closes in, both embark on a journey into the depths of the mangroves, where reality and myth intertwine, exposing the invisible structures of power that govern their world. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 29 July 2026 What happens to a country when the environment upon which its myths are based begins to alter dramatically? — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 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
  • Garciaparra's legacy continues to resonate, with new infielder Caleb Durbin recently choosing his iconic number 5, calling him a legend.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The club’s 18-hole golf course with dramatic valley views opened in 2004, designed by golf architect Brian Curley and PGA TOUR legend Fred Couples.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • Along the narrow hallway, bookshelves burst with first editions of John Updike, battered Stephen Kings, graphic novels, dime-store paperbacks, board games, books about mythology, children’s fairy tales, and Warhammer rule sets.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 July 2026
  • Named Greek mythology’s fearsome Titan, Kronosaurus ruled the Early Cretaceous waters near present-day Australia.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • Next, there's the identity lag, where an outdated self-concept drives continued overexertion; and the illusion of recoverability, where believing resources can always fix health damage later down the road.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Disappointments like you thrive on pain, on fear, and on the illusion of power.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • Here is the rather randy first trailer for Wicker, the comedic fable starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage that debuted at Sundance in January.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • Many riders would have accepted taking a stage and the polka-dot jersey, but Carapaz’s fable is the paradigm of the man unafraid to fail.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • Museum staff said the joke has become part of its folklore and reflects the city’s sense of humor.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Instead, like the Boston Red Sox and the ‘Curse of the Bambino‘, Mayo’s long years of heartbreak come wrapped in a cloud of superstitious folklore.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • The 29-year-old Christian Faith Madison died after walking into traffic, with her family arguing that the OpenAI chatbot had fueled her religious delusions during their extensive interactions, pushing her over the edge by romanticizing death.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 23 July 2026
  • The delusion is painful to watch, but the greater tragedy is that his proximity to this staggering wealth insures his and Lindsay’s misery.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Thoroughbred racing is a sport that is tradition heavy but also in need of capturing more of the 21st century audience.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • More than a few people – even those bound to tradition – have conceded that a calendar reconfiguration wouldn’t be a bad idea, such as pushing the Preakness back to June and the Belmont to July.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of tradition
Noun
  • Stewart scored the go-ahead run from third on Brandon Lowe's fielding error.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Royals’ defense didn’t help him out much, committing two critical errors.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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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