mischaracterize

verb

mis·​char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˌmis-ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce mischaracterize (audio)
-ˈka-rik-
mischaracterized; mischaracterizing

transitive verb

: to characterize (someone or something) wrongly
mischaracterized his position on the issue
In many cases, the problems that the news media, activists, and politicians hype are real enough; however they are frequently greatly exaggerated and mischaracterizedBenjamin Radford

Examples of mischaracterize in a Sentence

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.
However, like the other fans at Betiss’s gym Espinoza believes Tate is routinely mischaracterized and maybe even misunderstood. Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 In response to questions from The Tennessean, a Google spokesperson said the accusations are baseless and mischaracterize Google’s security functions. Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025 Federspiel, the library director, said the claims have painted the wrong picture about some of the contents of the books or mischaracterized from whom they were intended. Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025 Federal prosecutors backed Joseph's recommendation, saying the defense was mischaracterizing previous court decisions. John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mischaracterize

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischaracterize was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Mischaracterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischaracterize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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