The word "sphynx" refers to a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of a person. This word has a few synonyms, such as "chimera," "gorgon," and "griffin." "Chimera" is a creature with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. "Gorgon" refers to a creature with snakes for hair, which can turn people to stone. "Griffin" is a creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. These synonyms are often used in fantasy novels, movies, and video games to describe similar creatures.