as in to miss
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of
you misunderstood that poem because you took everything so literally
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misunderstand
Fabio Bertoni, the general counsel of The New Yorker, argues that Patel’s lawyers seem to misunderstand how the law (or logic) works.
—
Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026
In an interview with Flow Space, Vonn talks about the campaign, her new definition of resilience, and a message for those who may misunderstand her.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 16 Apr. 2026
This latter position fundamentally misunderstands the PRC’s determination to absorb Taiwan; expressing weakness is more likely to invite a Chinese invasion.
—Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
Emma meddles with the romantic life of her entire village—while completely misunderstanding her own romance.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026
In an interview with Flow Space, Vonn talks about the campaign, her new definition of resilience, and a message for those who may misunderstand her.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 16 Apr. 2026
This latter position fundamentally misunderstands the PRC’s determination to absorb Taiwan; expressing weakness is more likely to invite a Chinese invasion.
—Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
Emma meddles with the romantic life of her entire village—while completely misunderstanding her own romance.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misunderstand
Verb
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
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Fudd missed the Dallas Wings’ home opener Tuesday with a right knee injury, the team announced prior to tipoff against the Atlanta Dream.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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There could be no mistaking what band was blasting out of all those boomboxes and car radios.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
9 May 2026
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When Ava interrupts to bring Deborah her cell phone, Kelly mistakes Ava for Deborah’s girlfriend and has a new understanding of her foe.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
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In the latest request, Virginia argues that the state Supreme Court misread federal election law and also rejected the plain text of the state constitution’s definition of an election when blocking the new map.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Alas, Frum misread the numbers, vastly undercounting Piker’s views.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Verb
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In his group’s petition to the Supreme Court, Stockton argued the district court and Ninth Circuit misconstrued the law.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
8 May 2026
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Prior to the Board’s decision, several Skokie residents came to the defense of Johnson, arguing that their previous advocacy efforts for the village have long been misconstrued.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Experts urge caution around the release of the new files, warning that UAP videos are often misinterpreted and mischaracterized by those unfamiliar with military technology.—
Seung Min Kim,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
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But experts have urged caution around the release of the new files, warning that UAP videos are often misinterpreted and mischaracterized by those unfamiliar with advanced military technology.—
Seung Min Kim,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misunderstand. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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