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.
By omitting the title requirement, the guidance mischaracterizes which programs are eligible for an exemption under the Act, making exemptions available for a much broader category of degree programs. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026 The West Wing vet wasn’t ever charged in either of those cases, However, in an outcome that has been mischaracterized as a settlement of some sort, the actor was ordered to pay $150,000 in the mid-1990s matter over legal fees in an unsuccessful countersuit. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026 All of these funds were mischaracterized. Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026 Despite our efforts to provide accurate information, the editorial board’s column understates UCHealth’s uncompensated care, mischaracterizes our service to Medicaid patients and perpetuates misconceptions about investment income. Elizabeth B. Concordia, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 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 31 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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