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
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 mistaking
Her father had bought it at the county fair; the vender, mistaking it for yet another replica Native ceremonial mask, had all but given it away.
—
David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Hough also noted that he was distracted by the It's Complicated star's presence in the audience, persistently mistaking the actor for his own father.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
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
David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Hough also noted that he was distracted by the It's Complicated star's presence in the audience, persistently mistaking the actor for his own father.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistaking
Verb
-
Carr would never admit to that, instead taking the time at the Concordia talk to blame Democrats for misunderstanding his job at the FCC.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The silver mines have recently been nationalized, but obviously there’s a wealth disparity, there are two cultures living side by side and misunderstanding each other.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide paid the price for underestimating an incredibly hungry Vanderbilt Commodores team led by star quarterback Diego Pavia.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Last year, Hayward officials made some significant miscalculations in the city’s budget — overestimating revenue, underestimating expenses and making a sizable purchase of a movie theater downtown that drained $31 million from the city’s reserves, according to city officials.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.—
Brian Sloan,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The merger will divide Elon, confusing prospective and current students.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Was missing a zero in his opening Shield knock — 10s need to be squared for Bancroft to stand a chance.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Information that was missing also caught the attention of the experts Joan consulted.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The survey found that young daters often misinterpret green flags as red flags, misjudging intentions in stereotypical ways.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
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
-
Griffin warned that erosion of Fed independence could lead to Americans conflating the White House and central bank.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
-
That’s part of the reason people have such an easy time conflating you with your character.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mistaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistaking. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share