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

Requiring them to operate as ordinary MPIA applicants misunderstands their role and undermines their purpose. —Vaughn Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026

But people also misunderstand sharia and how it is applied, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. —Rachel Royster updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

Treating Pahlavi as a shortcut to stability misunderstands both Iran’s society and the nature of this uprising. —Jalil Pakray, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026

Flight also suggests the report fundamentally misunderstands macroeconomic fundamentals. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 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