misunderstand
verb
mis·un·der·stand
(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstand 
misunderstood
(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d
; misunderstanding
; misunderstanding
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
Culturally sensitive clinical care is often misunderstood as simply providing surface-level accommodations — offering kosher meals, observing Sabbath restrictions, or including a rabbi on staff.
—
Devora Shabtai, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Miller misunderstands the significance of the right of habeas corpus, for starters.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
According to the Oman Medical Journal, 40% to 60% of patients misunderstand or forget discharge instructions, which could lead to errors and unnecessary complications.
—Kunal Khashu, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Research consistently shows that many Americans misunderstand how their income is taxed, which experts say could help explain why many people are disgruntled with the U.S. tax system.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
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Devora Shabtai, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Miller misunderstands the significance of the right of habeas corpus, for starters.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
According to the Oman Medical Journal, 40% to 60% of patients misunderstand or forget discharge instructions, which could lead to errors and unnecessary complications.
—Kunal Khashu, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Research consistently shows that many Americans misunderstand how their income is taxed, which experts say could help explain why many people are disgruntled with the U.S. tax system.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstand. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
misunderstand
verb
mis·un·der·stand
(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstand
misunderstood
-ˈstu̇d
; misunderstanding
; misunderstanding
1
: to fail to understand
2
: to interpret incorrectly
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