mischaracterize

verb

mis·​char·​ac·​ter·​ize ˌmis-ˈker-ik-tə-ˌrīz 

-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 mischaracterized …

—Benjamin Radford

Examples of mischaracterize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Labor negotiations between the state and SEIU Local 1000 took a turn this week as the union brought matters to the Public Employment Relations Board, accusing the state of weaponizing time and mischaracterizing a previous agreement. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Earlier this month, Jolie argued in court papers obtained by PEOPLE that Pitt had mischaracterized her claims in an effort to obtain years of her financial records. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

The Domestic Policy Council also mischaracterizes and misrepresents the words of the museum’s director, Anthea Hartig, who has consistently worked to educate and inform visitors through innovative exhibits and inspirational programs. — Marc Stein, Time, 8 July 2026

The most frustrating aspect is that much of the reaction appeared to mischaracterize the article itself. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mischaracterize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize