1
as in misunderstanding
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of
the auctioneer mistook my nod for a bid, and I ended up buying a painting I don't even like
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in underestimating
to make an incorrect judgment regarding
you seriously mistake me if you think I scare so easily
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in confusing
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related
she mistook physical attraction for love
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mistaking
Leaders celebrate short-term wins that merely mask deeper inefficiencies, mistaking temporary fixes for progress.
—
Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
There was no mistaking that elk.
—Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
Leaving clean laundry in the dryer or hamper only puts off a chore until later, keeps clean clothes from its proper place, and also risks wrinkles or someone accidentally mistaking it for dirty laundry instead.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Other designers shifted their vision many times, but with Armani, there was no mistaking him.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
The majority of shark bites happen accidentally, with the predators mistaking people for their preferred meal -- smaller fish.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Raymond and Randall Purcell accused officers Alexander Paul and Steven Pohorence of mistaking their Star Trek memorabilia for actual weapons when they were called to look into minor damage that was done to one of their cars.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
TikTok viewers were quick to speculate about the siblings' relationship, with some mistaking her brother for her boyfriend.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
There was no mistaking that elk.
—Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
Leaving clean laundry in the dryer or hamper only puts off a chore until later, keeps clean clothes from its proper place, and also risks wrinkles or someone accidentally mistaking it for dirty laundry instead.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Other designers shifted their vision many times, but with Armani, there was no mistaking him.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
The majority of shark bites happen accidentally, with the predators mistaking people for their preferred meal -- smaller fish.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Raymond and Randall Purcell accused officers Alexander Paul and Steven Pohorence of mistaking their Star Trek memorabilia for actual weapons when they were called to look into minor damage that was done to one of their cars.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
TikTok viewers were quick to speculate about the siblings' relationship, with some mistaking her brother for her boyfriend.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistaking
Verb
-
The same kind of misunderstanding speckles the discourse around Live Laugh Love, his stellar new album.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Common mistakes include misunderstanding your industry's dress code and its subtleties, wearing clothing that doesn't suit your body shape, or choosing silhouettes and colors that distract rather than support a confident presence.—
Stephanie Coughlan,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The new analysis was prompted by a city audit late last year that found officials have been underestimating San Diego’s infrastructure funding shortfall by about $1 billion by ignoring hundreds of minor maintenance needs.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
If scientists have been underestimating the energy stored in flare ions, forecasts of space weather may need to be revised.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Since its creation in 2007, only about 2% of applicants had successfully received forgiveness before the pandemic, largely due to confusing eligibility rules and administrative mismanagement.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Beneficiaries would have to verify their own identities by using an often-confusing web portal or by traveling to a field office to do it in person.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Advocates see that high violation rate as an indication that regulators are missing even more abuses in the fields.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The San Francisco 49ers managed to improve to 2-0 with a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday despite missing quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The other kids have never been happier or more prepared for the standardized tests that will determine their futures, which means their parents are suddenly in love with Maria, and her overbearing principal is sorry for misjudging her.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This is what most of the pundits and GenAI enthusiasts miss, conflating massive (and real) productivity gains at the level of the task with impact for organizations – and society.—
London Business School,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Since it was awarded non-profit status in 1948, the year of the Nakba, the ADL has been committed to strategically conflating Jewishness with Israel.—
Sahar Mustafah
August 27,
Literary Hub,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mistaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistaking. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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