Definition of misapplynext
as in to misuse
to put to a bad or improper use you've misapplied the theorem to certain problems that require a different formula kids who misapply their boundless energy and get into trouble

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of misapply First, if a bull market means to you that stocks are trending unequivocally upward, then, no, the bull market label is being misapplied right now. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 16 June 2023 Democrats in Tallahassee say the program isn’t just bad policy, it was misapplied to move migrants from Texas. Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 7 June 2023 O'Shea said the study's findings have often been misinterpreted or misapplied since its publication. Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 2 June 2023 Ioniţă still has both qualities in equal measure, but they were sorely misapplied in his performance of Dvořák’s cello concerto. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for misapply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misapply
Verb
  • In Georgia, more than two dozen law enforcement officers have been accused of misusing Flock camera databases to conduct non-investigative searches, and in some cases stalk and harass citizens in their communities.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Across the country, a slew of law enforcement officers have been investigated for misusing Flock cameras for personal reasons, according to a USA Today report last month.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The scandal led to Paterno’s firing, and the university paid more than $100 million to people who said they were abused by Sandusky.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some critics report being verbally abused, doxxed, and even threatened with rape and death by BJP supporters.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Misapply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misapply. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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