MISDIRECTION Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

misdirection

noun

Definition of misdirection

as in mismanagement

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 misdirection But the more sinister aspects ultimately turn out to be deliberate misdirection in this tale of two men who find each other in the remote Faroe Islands of the mid-19th century. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 Despite gridlocked traffic near the first two closure scenes in southwest Atlanta and some miscommunication and misdirection with trucks using side streets, Atlanta has braced itself handily so far. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 19 July 2026 Before settling in for a long chat with one of the most famous and beloved people on the planet, Colbert engaged in some clever misdirection. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026 The solution to the clues was simple and obvious after a lot of misdirection and red herrings — just like every Scooby Doo episode. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdirection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdirection

Noun

Grand plans to return to the Premier League under Chansiri around a decade ago had come to nothing, and financial mismanagement soon began a spiral that threatened the club’s existence.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Unsurprisingly, the current crop of county officials has not been honest with residents about the difficult decisions that future officials will have to face because of the mismanagement of the county over the past 25 years.

— David Plymyer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of mismanagement

Noun

Hur, following his investigation into Biden’s alleged mishandling of classified documents, released a lengthy report in February 2024 that concluded no criminal charges were warranted against Biden.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Shilts made history as the first out gay reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, and then again with this landmark book about the mishandling of the AIDS crisis in its early days.

— Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026

Definition of mishandling

Noun

This sounds like malpractice to those who understand the value of 40-man roster spots and know the ramifications of the looming lockout.

— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026
Tufts and Jollotta are both named as defendants in two separate civil medical malpractice lawsuits filed by Clancy and her ex-husband Patrick Clancy.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of malpractice

Noun

In sports, mind-wandering is often seen as negative because inattention at a crucial moment can lead to disaster.

— Eric Zillmer, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
Speed, alcohol, inattention, and disregard for the rules meant to keep everyone safe are among the most dangerous and deadly choices anyone can make on the water.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

Definition of inattention

Noun

The fiscal irresponsibility and mismanagement of bankrupt Hawthorne Race Course President Tim Carey was the immediate cause of death.

— Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
The most probable path remains the baseline he’s been describing since last fall — debt grinding steadily higher, periodically goosed by crises or political irresponsibility, but partially offset by technological progress and labor force growth.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026

Definition of irresponsibility

Noun

Head coach Eckert being hit with three Football Association misconduct charges means the saga may yet cast a further shadow over the new campaign, especially as the German could be facing a lengthy ban.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Federal officials say these forms are scanned into an online system and is accessible to all staff based at the facility, even those accused of misconduct.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

It’s designed for anyone who wants to retain information more effectively, whether that’s preparing for exams, remembering presentations, learning new skills, or simply reducing forgetfulness.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Aug. 2026
Symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finding words and struggles with reasoning, problem solving and judgment.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of forgetfulness

Browse Nearby Words

misdirected

misdirection

misdoer

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Misdirection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misdirection. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of misdirection

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

balmy

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes