mischaracterization
noun
mis·char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌmis-ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
-ˌka-rik-
plural mischaracterizations
: the act or an instance of characterizing someone or something wrongly
It is impossible to catalog here the leaps of logic, mischaracterizations, and outright errors that permeate their book …—
Dmitri Tymoczko
Dmitri Tymoczko
Examples of mischaracterization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Crabtree-Ireland says that Sarandos’ statement is offensive and a mischaracterization of their proposal.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2023
As selling oils meant for external use or skincare isn’t prohibited, the rising interest in navel oiling technically abides by the letter of the law, but allows for wild mischaracterizations in the process.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2023
To characterize any pre-litigation settlements as an effort to buy silence is a clear mischaracterization.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
At its core, this argument rests on profound mischaracterization of Adam Smith.
—Mark Koyama, National Review, 23 Jan. 2023
The media’s mischaracterization of these events created a moral panic that unfairly stigmatized Trump supporters across the nation as white supremacists conspiring to overthrow the U.S. government, resulting in the unnecessary mobilization of armed U.S. troops in Washington.
—Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, WSJ, 5 Jan. 2022
Setting aside the need to discard this outdated mischaracterization of entrepreneurship, there is validity to the observation.
—Dane Stangler, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021
The report calls this a mischaracterization of the punishment carried out on a Black officer by an all-white chain of command.
—Mabinty Quarshie, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2021
Most, if not all, of the inappropriate markers were placed as a result of error, rather than any purposeful mischaracterization, according to the Operation Benjamin website.
—Bo Emerson, ajc, 29 May 2023
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Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2023
As selling oils meant for external use or skincare isn’t prohibited, the rising interest in navel oiling technically abides by the letter of the law, but allows for wild mischaracterizations in the process.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2023
To characterize any pre-litigation settlements as an effort to buy silence is a clear mischaracterization.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
At its core, this argument rests on profound mischaracterization of Adam Smith.
—Mark Koyama, National Review, 23 Jan. 2023
The media’s mischaracterization of these events created a moral panic that unfairly stigmatized Trump supporters across the nation as white supremacists conspiring to overthrow the U.S. government, resulting in the unnecessary mobilization of armed U.S. troops in Washington.
—Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, WSJ, 5 Jan. 2022
Setting aside the need to discard this outdated mischaracterization of entrepreneurship, there is validity to the observation.
—Dane Stangler, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021
The report calls this a mischaracterization of the punishment carried out on a Black officer by an all-white chain of command.
—Mabinty Quarshie, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2021
Most, if not all, of the inappropriate markers were placed as a result of error, rather than any purposeful mischaracterization, according to the Operation Benjamin website.
—Bo Emerson, ajc, 29 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mischaracterization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of mischaracterization was
in 1900
Dictionary Entries Near mischaracterization
Cite this Entry
“Mischaracterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischaracterization. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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