misdirection

noun

mis·​di·​rec·​tion ˌmis-də-ˈrek-shən 

-(ˌ)dī-

1

: a wrong direction

2

a

: the act or an instance of misdirecting or diverting

b

: the state of being misdirected

Examples of misdirection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Before settling in for a long chat with one of the most famous and beloved people on the planet, Colbert engaged in some clever misdirection. —Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026

Their receiving skills are different — Cowing might be the fastest player on the team and seems like a good option on misdirection plays, screens, etc. —Matt Barrows, New York Times, 19 May 2026

The solution to the clues was simple and obvious after a lot of misdirection and red herrings — just like every Scooby Doo episode. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

But even if the reveal is so anticlimactic as to be more of a misdirection than a murder, a good one will leave us with a singular moment that emotionally resonates. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misdirection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection