misidentification

noun

mis·​iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmis-ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce misidentification (audio)
ˌmis-ə-
plural misidentifications
: incorrect or false identification
The long-term nature of a life insurance policy sometimes accounts for a misidentification of the insured.Harriett E. Jones et al.
In the finished novel, the central character insists on calling his girlfriend June, though her name is Joan—one of many obsessional misidentifications in [Henry] Green's fiction.Jeremy Treglown

Examples of misidentification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That statement also addressed the misidentification of a third person seen in the clip circulating on the internet in the day following the video’s release. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 However, civil rights advocates have raised concerns that the technology's potential for misidentification could lead to the arrest and prosecution of innocent people. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Thus far, the resumption of exchanges appears to have allayed this threat, but the latest controversy over the apparent misidentification of Shiri's body has again threatened to derail talks toward the next phases of the ceasefire agreement. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 The officer recommended the Palestinians be dressed in army clothes to avoid misidentification. Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for misidentification

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misidentification was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Misidentification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misidentification. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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