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.
The reality is that operators face two key challenges: misconceptions about complexity and the fear of disruption. Savneet Singh, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Experts warn that this trend often highlights misconceptions about narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which research suggests affects approximately up to 5% of Americans. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025 This could be a truly gripping psychological thriller turning on misconceptions about masculinity and a friendship from hell. John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025 There’s a common misconception that the annual NFL Scouting Combine is all about NFL Draft prospects. Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 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 11 Mar. 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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