misconception
noun
mis·con·cep·tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən 
plural misconceptions
: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception
a common/popular misconception
There's this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect.—
Chris Daughtry
Chris DaughtryThe new name, along with more stringent criteria for diagnosing the disorder, represents an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the disorder and to have it taken more seriously by psychiatrists as well as the courts.—Janny Scott
Janny ScottMany gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.—Nan Sterman
Nan Sterman… artists, writers, and musicians who labor under the misconception that it's possible to come up with something new under the sun …—Simon Reynolds
Simon ReynoldsExamples of misconception in a Sentence
it is a popular misconception that the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space
Recent Examples on the Web
This is a common misconception, but is just plainly false.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025
The misconception that only older caregivers need support is dangerously flawed.
—Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Frankel is brilliant at addressing social issues (in this case, misconceptions about adoption) with witty writing; serious messages are slipped within the pervasive humor.
—The Know, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Why Inflammation is the real problem One of the biggest misconceptions about colds and the flu is that the virus causes unpleasant symptoms.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misconception
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.
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025
The misconception that only older caregivers need support is dangerously flawed.
—Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Frankel is brilliant at addressing social issues (in this case, misconceptions about adoption) with witty writing; serious messages are slipped within the pervasive humor.
—The Know, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Why Inflammation is the real problem One of the biggest misconceptions about colds and the flu is that the virus causes unpleasant symptoms.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misconception
Cite this Entry
“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share