misunderstand

verb

mis·​un·​der·​stand (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstand 

misunderstood (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d  ; misunderstanding

transitive verb

1

: to fail to understand

I misunderstood the message.

2

: to interpret incorrectly

I think you misunderstood my intentions.

Synonyms of misunderstand

• miss
• mistake
• misread
• misconstrue
• misinterpret
• misapprehend

Examples of misunderstand in a Sentence

Don't misunderstand me—I'm not criticizing your decision.

He feels that the critics have completely misunderstood his movies.

She expressed herself in clear terms that no one could misunderstand.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s the thing many people still misunderstand about this amazing man. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026

But Wrigley View Rooftop insists the Cubs misunderstand the scope of their legal rights. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 May 2026

The link between disease and aging Many of the tech entrepreneurs investing in the longevity space misunderstand the science of aging, Austad said. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 2 May 2026

And Venter was easy to misunderstand. —Matthew Herper, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misunderstand

• analysand
• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland

Kids Definition

misunderstand

verb

mis·​un·​der·​stand (ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstand 

misunderstood -ˈstu̇d  ; misunderstanding

1

: to fail to understand

2

: to interpret incorrectly