a river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld, a river or place regarded as the boundary between this world and the afterlife

crossing the Styx, paying the ferryman, Styx and stones

Formal and Informal Expressions of styx

In different contexts, you can replace 'styx' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'boundary, threshold' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'limbo, purgatory' is a commonplace synonym.

styx: Explore its Definition & Usage

styx Definition

1a river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld
2a river or place regarded as the boundary between this world and the afterlife

Using styx: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "styx" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The ferryman Charon would transport the souls of the dead across the River Styx.
Example
In Dante's Inferno, the River Styx is a swampy, stinking cesspool.
Example
The old mansion was said to be located on the Styx, where the living world met the realm of the dead.

styx Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for styx

Phrases with styx

crossing the Styx
to die
Example
After his father passed away, he felt like he had crossed the Styx himself.
paying the ferryman
to die
Example
He knew he was close to paying the ferryman, but he wasn't ready to cross the Styx just yet.
Styx and stones
a play on words of the phrase 'sticks and stones', meaning that words cannot hurt someone
Example
She tried to insult him, but he just laughed it off, knowing that Styx and stones may break his bones, but words will never hurt him.

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Summary: styx in Brief

In Greek mythology, 'Styx' [stiks] is the name of a river that separated the world of the living from the Underworld. In modern usage, it refers to any boundary between life and death, such as a river or place. Phrases like 'crossing the Styx' and 'paying the ferryman' are euphemisms for dying.