misunderstand
verb
mis·un·der·stand
(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstand 
misunderstood
(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d
; misunderstanding
; misunderstanding
1
: to fail to understand
I misunderstood the message.
2
: to interpret incorrectly
I think you misunderstood my intentions.
Examples of misunderstand in a Sentence
Don't misunderstand me—I'm not criticizing your decision.
He feels that the critics have completely misunderstood his movies.
She expressed herself in clear terms that no one could misunderstand.
Recent Examples on the Web
In response to a complaint from former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Herbstreit posted a lengthy diatribe on X completely misunderstanding the modern game.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Either dark energy is a real phenomenon, causing the universe to grow bigger at a faster and faster rate, or there is no dark energy at all, and scientists have somehow misunderstood the laws of gravity at cosmic scales.
—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
1 July 2026
Leaders often misunderstand good work, relying on perks rather than addressing core structural issues.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Do not rush to defend yourself if someone misunderstands your tone.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
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Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Either dark energy is a real phenomenon, causing the universe to grow bigger at a faster and faster rate, or there is no dark energy at all, and scientists have somehow misunderstood the laws of gravity at cosmic scales.
—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
1 July 2026
Leaders often misunderstand good work, relying on perks rather than addressing core structural issues.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Do not rush to defend yourself if someone misunderstands your tone.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstand. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
misunderstand
verb
mis·un·der·stand
(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstand
misunderstood
-ˈstu̇d
; misunderstanding
; misunderstanding
1
: to fail to understand
2
: to interpret incorrectly
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