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
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Recent Examples of myth
Some of this failure can be traced to persistent myths about lung cancer.
—
Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The experiences of my students directly challenged the myth that poor people and people of color are more inclined toward unhealthy foods.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Revisit Toni Morrison’s 2017 essay on the myths and realities of employment.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Best known for its moai, the nearly 1,000 massive volcanic-stone statues carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago, the island has long held a mysterious pull among travelers drawn to archaeology and myth.
—Carla Vianna, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for myth
Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The experiences of my students directly challenged the myth that poor people and people of color are more inclined toward unhealthy foods.
—Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Revisit Toni Morrison’s 2017 essay on the myths and realities of employment.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Best known for its moai, the nearly 1,000 massive volcanic-stone statues carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago, the island has long held a mysterious pull among travelers drawn to archaeology and myth.
—Carla Vianna, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for myth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for myth
Noun
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This is the unknown, true story of how the Loch Ness Monster became a legend.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Oettinger has been that guy before — his performance in a seven-game loss to Calgary in 2022 is the stuff of legends.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Greek mythology, in particular, has strong connections with South Asia.—
Eana Kim,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
All of that mythology, though, can obscure the real story.—
Jimmy Jellinek,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the illusion shatters when a stranger on the street recognizes the dog… as HER boyfriend Danny’s dog.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
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This week, even Penny’s exceptionalism is revealed to be an illusion.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That Niall finds Ruben so alluring is natural to Gadd, who believes the notion of a valiant male figure has been bred into everyone via fables and fairy tales.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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On Friday, April 10, when those winged sprites took to the War Memorial Opera House stage for a seven-performance run, the whole tartan-and-gossamer fable felt more alive than ever.—
Rachel Howard,
San Francisco Chronicle,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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No, this is the other Groundhog Day — the ritual rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch folklore, where one glimpse of a shadow can stretch winter indefinitely, and its absence signals something better on the horizon.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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The show's choreographer and playwright sit down with us to chat about gathering around the campfire, folklore, and more.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The first type is replete with hallucinations and delusions—voices, visions, grandiose beliefs, paranoia.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
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Over pinwheeling synths, Mahesh inhabits her narrator’s misplaced longing with gooey, heart-eyed delusion and sweetly pathetic determination.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One of the most enduring royal handbag traditions dates back to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly used her purse as a discreet way to signal staff during public engagements.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Augustinian tradition emphasizes fraternity, humility, and reflection on our disordered desires.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gobeille led off the seventh with an infield single up the middle, and an error on Kiefer’s bunt put both on.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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During day three of the trial, Elon Musk struggled to present a confident front, which led to a number of unforced errors.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Myth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/myth. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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