mistaken 1 of 2

Definition of mistakennext
as in incorrect
having an opinion that does not agree with truth or the facts meat loaf is on the cafeteria's menu today, if I'm not mistaken

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mistaken

2 of 2

verb

past participle of mistake

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mistaken
Adjective
Consumption of death cap mushrooms — often mistaken for safe, edible lookalikes — has been linked to a deadly outbreak in California. Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026 That’s an extra $1,780 or so purely because the IRS concluded the erroneous position was intentional rather than mistaken. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026 These community watches take place outside schools throughout the Twin Cities, outside restaurants and day-care centers, outside any place where there are immigrants or people who might be mistaken for them. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 Many of Nour Hammour’s pieces, like its Luxurious Robe Coat and Decadent Shearling Pullover, could be mistaken for furs. Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026 The concert was canceled after a series of fireworks that were mistaken for gunshots, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting. Mathew Miranda january 20, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026 The most common and widespread dove is the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), whose gentle cooing is often mistaken for an owl call. Kier Holmes, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026 Caleb also shared a story of being mistaken for Bo that weekend. Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
Food noise can be described as frequent thoughts about food that can sometimes be mistaken as hunger, experts say. Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026 Sanders would be mistaken, however, to regard NIL or revenue share as authorizing a workplace fine system. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Agency spokesperson George Barahona said preliminary information indicates the man may have mistaken the mushroom for a variety in his home country that is edible. Tim Fang, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 They easily could have been mistaken for agitated sports fans, and their actions were small and diffuse enough that they could be quickly dispersed. Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 Many organizations have mistaken awareness for ability and intent for execution, assuming preparedness without ever proving it. James Hadley, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The four finalists vying to be named Miami-Dade County’s top teacher could have easily been mistaken for longtime friends rather than competitors. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 As a compact crossover SUV, the Sportage can never be mistaken as a performance vehicle or possessing any degree or sportiness. James Raia, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026 At first glance, Cloud-9 might have been mistaken for a faint dwarf galaxy, or a small galaxy composed of about 1,000 up to several billion stars, the research team said. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistaken
Adjective
  • Conversely, the state Attorney General's office believes applying the anti-nepotism law in this situation would be an incorrect and overly broad interpretation.
    David Bauerlein, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The state’s attorneys said that too was incorrect.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • So both sides have misunderstood his constituency.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Many patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness, a common but frequently misunderstood symptom.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Valdez didn’t create from a place of self-pity or victimhood, but with a bit of chip on his shoulder — eager to prove wrong those who underestimated him based on his background.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Everyone underestimated me, except me and my family.
    Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The show is Finding Her Edge, a new ice skating drama that should not be confused with Spinning Out, another Netflix ice skating drama that was cancelled after one season.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Judicial warrants should not be confused with administrative warrants, which are signed by immigration officers.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Mia’s giant bow dress is fabulous, but her hair is all wrong.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Which is why the reaction to Clemson coach Dabo Swinney blowing the whistle on Ole Miss coach Pete Golding for alleged tampering feels so wrong.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Collins missed at the other end, and Denver’s Bruce Brown hit a pair of free throws to extend the advantage to 13 points.
    Oc Register, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
  • George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even so, the idea seemed misjudged.
    Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In the end, McAdams’ sexiness isn’t incidental, but integral to how she’s been misjudged.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mistaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistaken. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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