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
The tour explores etiquette rules, superstitions and customs of a home funeral service from the turn of the 20th century.
—
Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2025
The legend evokes strong superstitions among some, particularly commercial fisherman.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
The Astros won, which will test one of Espada’s season-long superstitions.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
This may be due to long-standing superstitions linking them with bad luck or witchcraft.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Every rising generation should hold its predecessors accountable, boldly taking its rights from them and leaving the rest of their property—superstitions, prejudices, structures of power—to decay with them in the grave.
—Matthew Redmond
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Today, many migraine sufferers take upward of four medications to try and stay ahead of the pain—and that doesn’t include home remedies or preventive superstitions.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025
Story sequences explore his family, superstitions, and untimely fate.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Burying The Bourbon Is A Southern Tradition While some superstitions are universal, burying the bourbon is decidedly Southern.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2025
The legend evokes strong superstitions among some, particularly commercial fisherman.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
The Astros won, which will test one of Espada’s season-long superstitions.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
This may be due to long-standing superstitions linking them with bad luck or witchcraft.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Every rising generation should hold its predecessors accountable, boldly taking its rights from them and leaving the rest of their property—superstitions, prejudices, structures of power—to decay with them in the grave.
—Matthew Redmond
august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Today, many migraine sufferers take upward of four medications to try and stay ahead of the pain—and that doesn’t include home remedies or preventive superstitions.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025
Story sequences explore his family, superstitions, and untimely fate.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Burying The Bourbon Is A Southern Tradition While some superstitions are universal, burying the bourbon is decidedly Southern.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superstitions
Noun
-
October football is almost here, with the first week of byes, another Sunday morning game from the British Isles, both conferences having a single undefeated leader, four teams winless and a lot of lingering questions about myths versus realities as we near the middle third of the season.—
Hannah Vanbiber,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Combining rigorous research and captivating narration, Kateryna Zarembo debunks common myths about the region, such as its long-standing gravitation towards Russia and its rejection of everything Ukrainian.—
Nelly Klos
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even when Charlotte did have momentum, there were unforced errors, penalties, and turnovers that resulted in more South Florida points.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Even the slightest variation can cause errors in quantum computers, sensors, or communications systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superstitions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superstitions. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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