misunderstand

verb

(ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstand How to pronounce misunderstand (audio)
Definition of misunderstandnext
as in to miss
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of you misunderstood that poem because you took everything so literally

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 misunderstand Both liberals and conservatives fundamentally misunderstand Social Security. — Jessica Riedl, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 People would hear this, interpret it, maybe misunderstand it. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 6 July 2026 That misunderstands both the problem and the legislation itself. — Andy Harris, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Either dark energy is a real phenomenon, causing the universe to grow bigger at a faster and faster rate, or there is no dark energy at all, and scientists have somehow misunderstood the laws of gravity at cosmic scales. — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misunderstand
  1. miss
  2. mistake
  3. misread
  4. misconstrue
  5. misinterpret
  6. misapprehend
Verb
  • Celeste was reported missing by family and friends on several occasions, starting in early 2024.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The pair were first reported missing on Thursday, July 16, but had not actually been seen in person since a week prior on July 9, the RCMP said in its initial news release.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Definition of miss
Verb
  • Because the dAS10 is inflatable, laypeople might understandably mistake the drone for a small blimp.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
  • Five seconds later, Trujillo was also hit — shot by an officer who, according to Chandler Police, mistook Trujillo for the suspect.
    — Laura Geller, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of mistake
Verb
  • Veteran French defender Lucas Digne misread the ball and challenged a ball on a cross, but kicked Lamine Yamal instead, committing a foul and giving Spain a penalty kick in the 22nd minute.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
  • Paramount says the lawsuit misreads the facts and antitrust law.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 July 2026
Definition of misread
Verb
  • Sherman misconstrued my letter.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • In granting the President this unbridled authority, the Court upends its precedent, misconstrues our history, and sheds any pretense of judicial modesty.
    — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of misconstrue
Verb
  • When ovulation occurs later, testing can occur too early, leading to results that may be misinterpreted in clinical practice.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Managers often misinterpret Gen Z's workplace preferences, viewing their requests as entitlement rather than practical needs shaped by their upbringing.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of misinterpret
Verb
  • That is true of leaders anywhere, but Israel’s history has predisposed some of its policymakers to focus excessively on day-to-day survival and to misapprehend or ignore strategic dynamics as a result.
    — Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
  • But would her students, turned on everywhere by the dogma of political correctness, misapprehend Haynes’s aim?
    — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 June 2023
Definition of misapprehend

Browse Nearby Words

mistyping
misunderstand
misunderstanding
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Cite this Entry

“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misunderstand. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of misunderstand for Spanish Speakers

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