misplace

verb

mis·​place ˌmis-ˈplās 

misplaced; misplacing; misplaces

transitive verb

1

a

: to put in a wrong or inappropriate place

misplace a comma

b

: mislay

misplaced the keys

2

: to set on a wrong object or eventuality

his trust had been misplaced

misplacement

ˌmis-ˈplās-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of misplace

• lose
• forget
• miss

Examples of misplace in a Sentence

I seem to have misplaced my keys.

Recent Examples on the Web

Suffice to say, then, that the anger against the Chicago police over anything to do with ICE and the Border Patrol is misplaced and an act of projection. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

But analysts say those hopes may have been misplaced. —Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026

Lawrence, of LaFontaine, said dealers are frequently helping customers who misplaced paperwork get copies at tax time and remain prepared to do so. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

In addition to missing luggage, Travel + Leisure writers have also misplaced their passports, laptops, and even jewelry while on trips. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for misplace

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Kids Definition

misplace

verb

mis·​place (ˈ)mis-ˈplās 

1

: to put in a wrong place

2

: mislay

misplacement noun