myth

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

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 Now, there are some myths circulating around the benefits of hot water. Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 4 Feb. 2026 The founding myth of the Islamic Republic rested on a contract of rule that promised the people agency and accountability. Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 The paper collage prints feature interpretations of scenes from a circus, his visits to Tahiti, and popular myths and stories, the Art Institute said. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026 The ‘new manager bounce’ might have been debunked, but both men are doing their best to keep the myth alive. Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for myth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for myth
Noun
  • Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS BOLD PREDICTION – Cowboys legend makes stunning Super Bowl guarantee after dinner with coach.
    , FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The opportunity wasn’t lost on Shula, the rock-solid legend who sat afterward at his locker, openly crying, in a manner that stunned Dolphins personnel.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Among the many ideas the film explores, front and center is the notion that communities like Ant’s create their own mythologies.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Lately, he’s been taken with his school’s unit on Greek mythology, imagining his own father as mighty Poseidon taking to the skies with trusty Pegasus.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • If choosing between communicating a less impressive truth versus a more sparkling illusion, keep it real and build credibility.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Romance, at least in its early stages, is a fragile illusion.
    Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The recently released fourth outing of Netflix’s massively popular Regency romance — adapted from Julia Quinn’s best-selling book series — is a twist on the Grimm brothers’ fable.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Later novels routinely took inspiration from family members or former or current lovers; the 1980 novel that baffled Frank Kermode is a dreamlike fable about a man guiltily trying to have an extramarital affair.
    Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hemlock takes as much inspiration from horror as from folklore and mythology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The werewolf tale, which began filming in the UK last fall, is set in 13th-century England and sees a mysterious creature stalk the land as local folklore becomes a terrifying reality.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • So the dreams — or delusions — of past officials proved false.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Described as more of a tonal companion to The Worm than a direct continuation, The Answerers is equal parts existential thriller and absurdist comedy, exploring belief, delusion and the human need for meaning in an increasingly turbulent modern world.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Dining options will encompass numerous restaurants and bars, including the brand’s signature Peacock Alley, a lobby lounge tradition that has anchored Waldorf Astoria properties since the original New York hotel.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • That has been the tradition of Jersey governors going back decades, with the New York governor picking the executive director (as Hochul has selected Kathryn Garcia, who was our first choice for NYC mayor in 2021 and if the voters had heeded us, would be starting her second term in City Hall).
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The lawyers had requested that the Justice Department website be temporarily shut down and that an independent monitor be appointed to ensure no further errors occurred.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.
    Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Myth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/myth. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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