misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce misinformation (audio)
: incorrect or misleading information
Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well …Ronnie Dugger
A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women.Melinda Beck
Each of these pieces of information (and misinformation) about me is sold for about two-fifths of a cent to advertisers, which then deliver me an Internet ad, send me a catalog or mail me a credit-card offer.Joel Stein

Examples of misinformation 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.
While there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation—and in some cases, outright lies—about my bill, many people brought forward sincere concerns. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Especially considering Grok is integrated into one of the world’s most popular social networks – and one where the old guardrails around the spread of misinformation have been removed. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 27 June 2025 That organization has been widely criticized as a leading source of misinformation and fearmongering about immunization. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 25 June 2025 That misinformation cost their son four permanent teeth and potentially years of avoidable pain. Samantha Korn, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for misinformation

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinformation was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Misinformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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