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 Her most recent essay, in the September/October issue, focuses on the myth and the reality of China’s critical mineral dominance. — Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 According to the popular—and scientifically baseless—myth, daddy longlegs spiders are among the most venomous spiders, but their fangs are too short to bite humans. — Melissa Petruzzello, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 There is even elegance in the details of the neighborhood’s founding myth, which played out exactly 250 years ago. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026 Meriwether spoke to Rolling Stone about the myth of the perfect victim, the emotional toll of creating a thriller with such serious themes, and her hopes for Season Two. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 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
  • Remember that national anthem, Chicago style, by local legend Jim Cornelison?
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Beckett’s five-year record of 41-34 is a bit light as legends go, but that World Series gem that beat the Yankees and won the 2003 championship helps justify the honor.
    — Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • Both of these tales were derived from the folk legends and mythologies involving witches and ghosts that were still prevalent along the Hudson Valley.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The highest mountain is Mount Olympus in Macedonia, which according to mythology served as the hallowed home of the gods.
    — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • The key to this illusion is a phenomenon called gravitational lensing, first predicted by Albert Einstein's 1915 theory of gravity, general relativity, which also first predicted the existence of gravitational waves.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond The Leadership Balance Beam​ The balancing beam is an unnecessary illusion.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • The Holbrook sisters are undersocialized and inexperienced with the world, and Herzog sees them as figures out of a fable, dreamers who talk incessantly about love and seem connected to the elemental and the ancient.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Sullivan’s Anne first aired on PBS the very same night, for instance, that the erotic multicultural dance fable Flashdance was first shown on network TV.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • The six-room exhibition — featuring Makó’s signature approach within the world of Hungarian folklore and childhood memories — transforms fashion imagery and explores the world of identity, individuality and self-expression.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other than the occasional barks from her dog, who doesn’t appreciate being locked away for guests, the witch’s home is peaceful and a far cry from the dank, dark cottages often found in folklore.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • Symptoms, which can take up to two months to develop, may include headache, nausea and sore throat before progressing to hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, paralysis and coma.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Smaller numbers reported experiencing delusions, hallucinations, physical pain, rage, and suicidality.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • The young royal’s enrollment marked a departure from years of tradition, replacing Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun with an institution that was closer to Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In August, Prince Alois announced a change to royal succession rules to allow women to ascend the throne on equal terms with men, breaking with three centuries of dynastic tradition.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of tradition
Noun
  • Multiple commenters were still unable to see it, and were getting the same error, as did Fortune.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • After committing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt that advanced the potential tying run to second base, O'Brien fanned rookie Cole Carrigg to end it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on myth

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about myth

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