misinterpret

verb

mis·​in·​ter·​pret ˌmi-sᵊn-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce misinterpret (audio)
-pət
misinterpreted; misinterpreting; misinterprets

transitive verb

1
: to explain wrongly
His comment on the speech misinterprets the speaker's meaning.
2
: to understand wrongly
Her silence should not be misinterpreted as consent.

Examples of misinterpret in a Sentence

He claims that his statements have been misinterpreted by the media. Her silence should not be misinterpreted as consent.
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.
Depardieu has repeatedly refuted both accounts saying his actions had been misinterpreted. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 May 2025 But while users were concerned about attendees misinterpreting the theme, or playing it safe by wearing something utterly boring, many took what came across their timeline and ran with it. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025 Thunderbolts*’s unlikely union of MCU loners and rejects received the titular nickname when Alexei misinterprets John Walker’s (Wyatt Russell) sarcastic reference to Yelena’s youth soccer team. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025 And when there have been clear mandates, they have often been misinterpreted, perhaps willfully so. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for misinterpret

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinterpret was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinterpret. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

misinterpret

verb
mis·​in·​ter·​pret ˌmis-ᵊn-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce misinterpret (audio)
-pət
: to understand or explain wrongly
misinterpretation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on misinterpret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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