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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Recent reports of law enforcement officers misusing license plate reader systems have added another layer to the growing debate.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Once again, the United States is in conflict with a Middle Eastern country under an administration that is misusing its power.
    David Harris, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Jarrett, the elder brother, was eventually taken in by a man who later abused him, a victimizer who then set his sights on Baylon.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Market power can be abused, and a transaction involving companies this significant deserves careful regulatory scrutiny.
    Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misapply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misapply. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster