misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce misconception (audio)
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
The 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
Many gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.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

Examples 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
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.
Duchovny hopes the episode will debunk misconceptions and shine a spotlight on the experts who weighed in. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Dispensing care that dispels misconceptions about non-communicable diseases The Mafemera family in Mutoko, a rural area in northeast Zimbabwe, tried many ways to alleviate 12-year-old Isheanesu’s asthma. Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Despite its widespread recognition, many misconceptions about the meaning behind 4/20 continue to circulate. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 During her interview with Remind, Patricia also debunked another common misconception about the film’s famous rain scene. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misconception

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misconception was in 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

misconception

noun
mis·​con·​cep·​tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən
: a wrong or mistaken idea

More from Merriam-Webster on misconception

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