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
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The more questions Wamble asked, the more contentious the exchange became, with Gaia repeatedly accusing Wamble of mischaracterizing his testimony. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 An earlier version mischaracterized the move. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 26 May 2026 But in a lengthy statement on its website, Kars4Kids said the judge mischaracterized its work and its testimony at trial. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 May 2026 Experts urge caution around the release of the new files, warning that UAP videos are often misinterpreted and mischaracterized by those unfamiliar with military technology. Seung Min Kim, Fortune, 9 May 2026 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 4 Jun. 2026.

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