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 The mythologies of the medical ass could blossom, like the oral folklore of a tribe allowed to retain its own myths without the colonizing interference of invaders. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Before John Wayne and Gary Cooper, there were the noble vaqueros of Mexico, myth-makers in their own right. Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, Gavras mused over his upbringing consisting of Greek myths over Disney movies and criticized the latter for underemphasizing the value of hard work. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushes the myth that the Olympics are meant to be a safe, apolitical space. Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for myth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for myth
Noun
  • Suarez, the 39-year-old Uruguayan legend, provided a perfect pass to 19-year-old Santi Morales, who made a nice finish to give Miami the lead at the 16-minute mark.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
  • No one was seriously injured in the July 24 crash, which happened the same day that WWE legend Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack in Florida.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But beyond the memes and mythology, the scene itself holds extraordinary narrative architecture, offering an interesting example of how to write a scene involving multiple characters with complex personal histories and interiorities.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Roy Lee’s personal mythology is now firmly established.
    Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The brightening and blurring properties come from bismuth oxychloride, a mineral that adds a light-reflecting luminous finish, and silicones that create the illusion of blurred skin.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Class analysis remains difficult in the US because its absence allows for the illusion of exceptional individuals to prevail.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That was a fine choice, in drawing sharp contrasts for a fable about how unchoosy the Almighty can be in picking his prime vessels.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The performance felt both virtuosic and repulsive, a goulash of hype, sloganeering, and calls to violence spiked with in-jokes, shaggy-dog anecdotes, and populist fables, all of it seductive and—in our dangerous era—familiar.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The duo’s inspiration—from Italian folklore, art, architecture, opera, cinema, religion, and the sheer beauty of their native country—shines through.
    Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
  • But his place in Wrexham folklore alongside Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer et al is assured.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mania of the week Sophomania — a delusion of having superior intelligence or being exceptionally wise.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Hence my delight in the brief delusion of my own banning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Also a tradition among the members of the Catholic church during Lent, fish fries are a weekly meal enjoyed on Fridays during the lenten season while participants abstain from meat.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Another State of the Union tradition is for the party opposite of the president’s to give a response to the address.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Industry guidance from Innovative Toll Solutions says common errors include misread license plates, toll tags that aren’t properly registered, duplicate transactions, or system glitches.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Duran, who is in contention for a roster spot, had two iffy throws defensively in attempts to get a pair of speedy runners out, though neither were technically ruled an error.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Myth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/myth. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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