misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce misinformation (audio)
: incorrect or misleading information
Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well …Ronnie Dugger
A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women.Melinda Beck
Each of these pieces of information (and misinformation) about me is sold for about two-fifths of a cent to advertisers, which then deliver me an Internet ad, send me a catalog or mail me a credit-card offer.Joel Stein

Examples of misinformation 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.
There is a misinformation problem with social media, but that’s different than content. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Newell says while most of the survey respondents acknowledge the reality of climate change, misinformation led many to question the reliability of renewable energy. Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 In a hearing in August, Nathan’s attorney Kaitlin Gonzalez warned that releasing sensitive information could spread misinformation and confuse potential jurors. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025 In Carroll, Iowa, a fourth‑generation newspaper publisher named Doug Burns joined forces with the Democratic California congressman Ro Khanna to ask Khanna’s Silicon Valley donors to help Iowa’s newspapers by putting $4 million toward a project to combat misinformation. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misinformation

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinformation was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Misinformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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