MISDIRECTION Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

misdirection

noun

Definition of misdirection

as in mismanagement

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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 The second is a misdirection technique called veiled capitalization, in which a word that appears to be a common noun is actually a proper one (or vice versa). — New York Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Playwright Holloway has all sorts of tricks up his many sleeves, turning misdirection (visual, narrative, aural or otherwise) into a symphony of look-here! — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation. — David MacK, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Writer-director Steven Conrad employs a fair bit of misdirection, pointing our suspicions first to Clark and then to Carol. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdirection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdirection

Noun

The Senate homeland security committee has one of the broadest investigative jurisdictions in Congress, with instances of waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, and mismanagement across the federal government all falling within the panel’s purview.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Decades of mismanagement and corruption have hollowed out Venezuela’s oil industry, while a government crackdown and an economic crisis led to a mass exodus.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mismanagement

Noun

Trump’s mishandling of China policy has opened space for a new strategy.

— Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026
But the alliance between big tech and the film world hasn’t been without substantial friction; take Amazon’s mishandling of Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of mishandling

Noun

The rift between these tribes was on full display last month as the main opponent of the constitutional question claimed election malfeasance by proponents of A-83.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Earlier this year, a grand jury handed down a 30-count indictment against then-Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, for malfeasance, obstruction of justice and falsifying public records.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of malfeasance

Noun

Officials cited upcoming cuts to Medicaid funding, a malpractice settlement, and threatened lawsuits against the hospital as contributing factors.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
If anything, each new development raises further questions about whether medical malpractice occurred.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of malpractice

Noun

Launched as Victoria’s Secret’s younger sister in 2002, the brand always targeted the college crowd, but suffered from inattention as its parent company struggled.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Washington’s preoccupation with its own domestic politics, inattention to the region’s nuances, and inflated fears of Chinese and Russian advances all made the United States an easy mark for manipulative local powers.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inattention

Noun

But something has undeniably changed when yesterday’s definition of toughness becomes today’s definition of medical irresponsibility.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
On a political level, Shelley’s monster pandemic served as a warning of what horrifying fates might await the whole of humanity if conflict and irresponsibility were left unchecked worldwide.

— Eileen Hunt, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of irresponsibility

Noun

The state labor board denied SoCal Berry Growers’ claims of misconduct, reaffirming the United Farm Workers’ unionization petition.

— Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Allegations of misconduct toppled the Democrat’s campaign, but his replacement, former logger and state senator Troy Jackson, has had a strong showing in the polls, and posed the first actual competition Collins has faced in nearly three decades.

— Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

Kristy Luther, 44, Luther’s mom, said painful effects remain, like jaw infections, forgetfulness, and struggles with emotional regulation, impulse control and confidence.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
The woman’s vanity and the husband’s forgetfulness collide to sow chaos and discord in the house.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of forgetfulness

Browse Nearby Words

misdirected

misdirection

misdoer

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“Misdirection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misdirection. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of misdirection

noun

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