misperception

noun

mis·​per·​cep·​tion ˌmis-pər-ˈsēp-shən 

plural misperceptions

: a false or inaccurate perception

… a host of misperceptions about the '50s, including the skewed notion that women didn't work in the 1950s, especially if they were mothers. Even in the '50s, one-fifth of mothers had paying jobs.

—Jeff Reid

Examples of misperception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to warhead limits, the treaty provided for data sharing, mutual compliance checks and a mechanism for dialogue to raise and resolve potential misperceptions about what the other side is doing. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

The song—long remembered for its sultry undertones—includes lyrics that gesture toward duality and misperception. —Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 28 Jan. 2026

These historical events will not only clear up some common misperceptions about Black history but will also hopefully inspire kids to learn about the great contributions of Black people all year long. —Terri Huggins Hart, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026

Let’s dig a bit deeper using the lens of public perceptions, misperceptions and expectations. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misperception

• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• preconception
• conception
• deception
• exception
• inception
• perception
• reception
• intussusception

Medical Definition

misperception

noun

mis·​per·​cep·​tion ˌmis-pər-ˈsep-shən 

: a false perception