as in to abuse
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
the foster parent who had been mistreating his charges was sent to jail
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mistreat
This epic fantasy follows Nausicaa’s efforts to protect animal welfare through peaceful measures and negotiations with her community, who misunderstand and mistreat animals.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
In January 2025, during an investigation by the Colorado Senate Committee on Ethics, Lewis forged several letters reportedly written by former aides to refute allegations that Lewis was mistreating staff.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Despite his status as a transfer, Dent mistreated UCLA’s rival from the jump.
—Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026
Several cases involve force and abuse The AP’s review found a pattern of charges involving ICE employees and contractors who mistreated vulnerable people in their care.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mistreat
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
In January 2025, during an investigation by the Colorado Senate Committee on Ethics, Lewis forged several letters reportedly written by former aides to refute allegations that Lewis was mistreating staff.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Despite his status as a transfer, Dent mistreated UCLA’s rival from the jump.
—Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026
Several cases involve force and abuse The AP’s review found a pattern of charges involving ICE employees and contractors who mistreated vulnerable people in their care.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mistreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistreat
Verb
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During the tantrum, the child verbally abuses the parent and also destroys property within the home.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
15 Mar. 2026
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Although this may change, as people who have acquired Irish citizenship but aren't Irish-born are abusing it, adding to the immigration woes in Britain.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lendeborg had a highlight-reel dunk by bullying his way through two defenders and finishing his transition drive with a dunk to put Michigan up 66-57.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2026
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Lendeborg had a highlight-reel moment by bullying his way through two defenders and finishing his transition drive with a dunk to put Michigan up 66-57.—
John Wawrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Much of progressive ideological frameworks tend to divide the world into oppressors and oppressed.—
Arie Perliger,
The Conversation,
18 Mar. 2026
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For 47 years, Iranians have been subject to a regime that seeks to divide them, isolate them, oppress them, torture them and dispose of them.—
Talla Mountjoy,
Twin Cities,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mistreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistreat. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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