as in myths
a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck; a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck
It is a common superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.
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Recent Examples of superstitions
Many cultures have traditions and superstitions about how what happens on New Year’s Eve impacts the year ahead.
—
Chris Brennan, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Here are some of the most popular superstitions to embrace for good luck or avoid for bad luck.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2025
The practice of New Year’s Day superstitions comes from Europe, including those who migrated to the Southern US.
—Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Courageously setting out to find the truth, Rabia navigates rural superstitions, local corruption and a wall of silence.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025
Religious figurines adorn the house; an entire room serving as a shrine and offering a glimpse into Huang’s superstitions and efforts to protect himself.
—Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
As the plot thickens, personal demons, Soviet legacies and local superstitions collide with devastating consequences.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Like any stage performer, Chenoweth has a series of superstitions ahead of an opening night.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
How Superstitions Impact Modern Life and Pregnacy Pregnancy and childbirth are major life changes, and with that may come feelings of nervousness, excitement, even fear—and some of these feelings could present themselves as superstitions.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
Chris Brennan, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Here are some of the most popular superstitions to embrace for good luck or avoid for bad luck.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2025
The practice of New Year’s Day superstitions comes from Europe, including those who migrated to the Southern US.
—Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Courageously setting out to find the truth, Rabia navigates rural superstitions, local corruption and a wall of silence.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025
Religious figurines adorn the house; an entire room serving as a shrine and offering a glimpse into Huang’s superstitions and efforts to protect himself.
—Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
As the plot thickens, personal demons, Soviet legacies and local superstitions collide with devastating consequences.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Like any stage performer, Chenoweth has a series of superstitions ahead of an opening night.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
How Superstitions Impact Modern Life and Pregnacy Pregnancy and childbirth are major life changes, and with that may come feelings of nervousness, excitement, even fear—and some of these feelings could present themselves as superstitions.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superstitions
Noun
-
In the early 2020s, white supremacists turned those myths into internet propaganda.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Numerous legends and myths surround the estate.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
When teams have not been rigorously tested in realistic, high-pressure environments, automation can become a force multiplier for errors.—
James Hadley,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Gauff hit zero winners and compiled 11 unforced errors in the set.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superstitions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superstitions. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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